Your mouth can affect your overall health

Research shows that many other health problems could be linked to bad oral health habits. Advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, have been found to be associated with health problems such as stroke and heart disease. There are researchers that have linked periodontitis to premature birth, low birth weight, pancreatic cancer, high blood sugar levels and even bacterial pneumonia.

 

It has also been found that if periodontal disease is present, bacterial endocarditis can occur in patients who have minor heart valve problems. The agreed upon theory is that bacteria can get into the bloodstream from infected gums, and this can activate infection in the bloodstream, thereby affecting the heart.

 

 

Failure to properly care for the teeth and gums, resulting from poor oral hygiene is the most frequent cause of gum disease.  Gum disease starts because of bacteria that has not been removed. It occurs in two major stages which are Gingivitis and Periodontitis. The early stage is called gingivitis and it is treatable and can be reversed if caught in the earliest stage. If gingivitis is ignored it goes to the more advanced stage  which is Periodontitis. That means that the bone has been eaten away by the bacteria and the tooth has become loose, and most likely would need to be removed.

 

Despite the fact that gum disease is quite a serious problem, it is not difficult to prevent. Three steps will assist with your oral health, brushing twice a day, flossing daily and regularly seeing your dentist for your check ups. These are the most certain ways to prevent gum disease and, in turn, protect your overall health.