When we suffer from a medical condition or disease that only affects a certain part or region of the body, we often don’t consider the consequences that that condition or disease may pose to the rest of our body. When a minor medical condition has no discernible effect, we tend not to worry, but continuing research into the health effects of poor oral health has revealed that problems in your mouth can have a direct link to more serious medical problems in other parts of your body, and ignoring your teeth and gums can result in more serious consequences for your health and even your quality of life than rotting teeth or inflamed gums.
Bacteria In your Mouth Play A Large Role
One of the primary reasons that problems in your mouth can result in other, much more serious problems in other parts of your body is the role of bacteria in your mouth. Although it may sound unpleasant or even disgusting to hear, your mouth is full of bacteria and keeping this bacteria under control through brushing and the use of mouthwash is crucial to maintaining good oral health. Studies have shown that uncontrolled bacteria can lead to infections in the mouth, and harmful bacteria can even spread from your mouth to your heart, leading to a serious medical condition known as endocarditis, or an infection of the heart. A variety of other serious medical conditions and diseases are also linked to poor oral health, including Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis, and according to the Mayo clinic, “periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.”
Maintain A Regular Cleaning Schedule
The best way to ensure that you maintain good oral health and minimize or mitigate the effects or oral health problems on the rest of your body is to follow a daily oral care regiment that includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day and maintaining a regular and consistent schedule of dental checkups and cleanings.
For over 30 years, Dr. Lee Weisbard, D.D.S., and her team have provided Colorado and beyond with the highest quality dental experience available. And it all grew out of her compassion for others and a love for the dental arts.
She has the skills and committed excellence in cosmetic, general, and dental implant dentistry that brings you the best dental care in Greenwood Village, DTC, Englewood, Cherry Hills, Littleton, and the surrounding cities of Denver. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious 2018 Colorado Businesswoman of the Year award.