Oral infections, such as gum disease, are the most common diseases in the entire world, and heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Finding any connection between the two would be of tremendous benefit to global health, and in recent years, a definitive one has been established thanks to exhaustive research. How are these two seemingly unrelated conditions linked? How can this information help you improve both your oral and overall health? Today, we discuss why getting gum disease treatment in Marietta could do more than simply protect your smile.
Gum Disease, Heart Disease, and Inflammation
Different parts of the body are able to drastically affect one another, and this is true for your mouth as well. There is something called the oral systemic link, which basically says that the health of your mouth directly influences the health of your entire body. This is because pretty much anything that is in the mouth is able to travel everywhere else in the body, and this is relatively easy to understand when you consider digestion. Food goes in the mouth, then into the stomach, and it is broken down into chemical energy that is absorbed into the blood stream and distributed throughout the body.
Unfortunately, this also means that potentially harmful things, such as bacteria, can impact the entire body via the mouth as well. Gum disease, which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth, is particularly troublesome because the gums are very vascular structures, meaning they contain many blood vessels. This makes it easy for anything on them to get into your bloodstream.
Gum disease is actually an inflammatory condition, so when this bacteria enters the blood, it can often end up in the heart and cause inflammation, which is the number one factor that contributes to heart disease. This is why, scientists believe, that those with gum disease tend to be much more likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes compared to the general population.
What This Means For You
With this knowledge in mind, it’s more important than ever that you take care of your teeth and gums on a daily basis. Normal oral hygiene practices like consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will help keep the bacteria level in your mouth under control so it won’t impact your oral or overall health. And, should you develop an oral infection like gum disease, you should see your dentist for treatment as soon as you can, as it’s not just your smile that is at risk.
Basically, ensuring your oral health also protects your overall health, and that’s certainly worth the few minutes a day you’ll spend brushing! By maintaining your oral hygiene at home and seeing your dentist twice a year, you’ll significantly reduce your risk for two of the most common diseases, plus you’ll have a smile you’re always proud to show off!