San Francisco and Marin CA
Continuing research by medical professionals and scientists continues to confirm what we at Glen Park Dental have believed for years. Like many periodontists and dentists, we subscribe to the theory that the health of the gums, teeth, and mouth can serve as a barometer to the overall health of an individual. Oral health may have a direct impact on the health of your heart, your brain, your metabolism and even your sex life. Today on the blog, we take a deeper look at the connection between your oral health and overall health.
Why is oral health so important?
Your mouth contains both beneficial and harmful bacteria. If the bad bacteria proliferate, this throws off the balance of your oral microbiome and can cause repercussions throughout the body. These negative bacteria can cause infections in teeth and gums. From there, they may enter the bloodstream, where the bacteria may spread throughout the body, generating inflammation—a major driving force behind almost any type of chronic disease.
What systemic risks can manifest from poor oral health?
- Cardiac disease – Harmful bacteria and plaque in your mouth can filter through your bloodstream and collect in your arteries, creating the blockages that cause heart disease. Advanced gum disease can double or even triple your risk of cardiac problems.
- Diabetes – The inflammation caused by the spreading bacteria from your mouth can make it more difficult for your body to flush out sugar from the blood supply, thus increasing your glucose levels. Diabetes and gum disease feed off one another; each accelerates inflammation, leading to another increase in blood sugar levels, and creating more inflammation.
- Impotence – The vessels of the sexual organs are very responsive to changes in blood flow. In fact, a study completed in Turkey found men who self-reported erectile dysfunction issues saw their symptoms improve after receiving treatment for their gum disease.
- Cognitive health – Continuing research has suggested a possible link between Alzheimer’s and gum disease. Specifically, analysis by the National Institute on Aging suggests that the same bacteria that cause gum disease create chronic inflammation that encourages the development of either Alzheimer’s or general dementia.
Why do so many people neglect their dental health?
The reasons vary. Some people avoid going to the dentist because receiving dental care makes them highly anxious or extremely fearful. Others lack dental insurance because their employee coverage at work makes dental insurance too expensive, or does not offer it at all. Plus, many important dental procedures such as preventive care treatments may not be covered at all under a dental insurance plan. Meanwhile, thousands of Americans go to the emergency room each year with dental-related problems.
Comprehensive dental care in San Francisco and Marin in California
Dentists operating at the forefront of the field are making themselves educated as to the importance of the mouth-body connection. The team at Glen Park Dental pursues continuing education and training to stay up to speed on the latest problems plaguing patients—as well as the techniques and technologies to provide the highest possible level of care. If you have lapsed in your recommended schedule of dental check ups every six months, now is a great time to get back on track. Make an appointment at our office in San Francisco by calling (415) 585-1500 or contacting us online.
