Systemic Health: How Dental Health Connects to Your Body
Protect Your Health with Regular Dentist Visits
Do you have bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away? A sore spot on your gums? Or maybe a new sensitivity to hot food? Sudden changes in your oral health can indicate other health problems. It’s important to have regular dental exams to be on the lookout for developing health problems, outside of your oral health. Use regular visits to our Madison dentists at Total Care Dental to keep tabs on the health of your teeth, gums and overall well-being.
The main symptoms to watch for:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Discoloration in teeth or gums
- Open sores on the tongue or gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath even after brushing
- Shooting nerve pain in your jaw
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Total Care Dental in Madison. Our highly-trained dentists will use the latest dental technology to determine the cause of your symptoms. Even if the changes in your oral health aren’t a sign of an underlying medical condition, you will want treatment right away.
The Connection Between Oral Health and System Health
Did you know that your teeth and gum health can be a signifier of other health issues? Your oral health is connected to your systemic health. Oral health was identified as one of the 10 leading health indicators! This isn’t surprising considering the mouth is the gateway to the body. Oral health is vital to general health- you cannot be healthy without good oral health.
Poor oral health can be a sign of the following health issues and more:
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer's
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Premature births
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Oral Health is Strongly Linked to Heart Disease
Research has found a strong connection between oral health, heart disease and stroke. Many oral health diseases and factors can contribute to poor heart health. Dental plaque has been found to affect heart and lung health. Bacteria lodges inside blood vessels, eventually causing dangerous blockages. There is a strong link between healthy gums and a healthy heart. Schedule an appointment with our Madison dentists today to ensure your oral health is in top shape.
Oral Health is Directly Linked to Bone Health
Bone health and osteoporosis have been linked to oral health. Likewise, developing osteoporosis can harm your teeth. Osteoporosis can lead to tooth loss because bone density declines, causing your teeth to no longer have a solid foundation. The good news is, osteoporosis is highly preventable. One of the biggest preventable actions is taking good care of your oral health. Don’t wait to take control of your oral health. Poor dental health is costly to your health and wallet
The Connection Between Oral Health and Alzheimer's
A recent breakthrough in oral health-systematic research has found a strong connection between oral disease, poor oral health and the development of Alzheimer’s. This breakthrough has the potential to be life-changing because taking care of your oral health could lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Researchers hope to increase awareness of this correlation to decrease oral disease and Alzheimer’s. What are you waiting for? Check your oral health with our experienced dentists at Total Care Dental.
Diabetes and Gum Disease
Poor oral health may increase your risk of diabetes, but having diabetes can take a toll on your oral health. This is because the connection between oral health and systemic health goes both ways. Diabetics are prone to several oral health conditions, but most prominently periodontal disease or gum disease. Gum disease is so commonly developed by type 1 and type 2 diabetics, that it is often referred to as the sixth complication of the disease.
If you have diabetes, contact our team at Total Care Dental immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen and sore gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Plus between teeth and gums
- Changes in alignment of teeth
Additionally, patients with diabetes often suffer from dry mouth. On top of the discomfort, a dry mouth adds to your risk of developing gum disease. If you are suffering from dry mouth, reach out to our team of educated dentists as there are treatments for this available!
Oral Health and Your Immune System
Poor oral health is linked to numerous chronic diseases and immune health. Tooth decay breaks down your teeth and weakens your immune system. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. Bacteria building on your teeth and gums can travel to the rest of your body and cause infections. Avoid taking unnecessary and lengthy trips to urgent care and schedule a dental checkup with our reputable team today!
Healthy Teeth Promote a Healthy Body
Poor oral hygiene can exacerbate these medical conditions. Bacterial infections in the gum and teeth can directly enter the bloodstream and cause high blood pressure, bone loss, and inflammation elsewhere in the body. Learn more about the health risks of poor oral hygiene.
Regular dental appointments with the expert dentists of TCD will keep your teeth clean and healthy. Our preventative services include oral cancer screenings. With our help, you can keep your oral and overall health in check.
Medical Conditions and Oral Health
Just as sudden changes in your oral health can be signs of underlying medical problems, the reverse is true. Being diagnosed with some diseases and disorders may endanger your teeth and gums. For example, women with diabetes face a higher risk of developing oral cancer. And anyone with TMJ disorders may unintentionally grind their teeth down.
Our dentists will help you care for your teeth as you focus on the rest of your well-being. We Have TMJ therapy, oral cancer screenings, and more treatment options to improve your dental health.
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene for Your Health
Wondering what steps you can take to better your oral health, and therefore, your overall health? It’s simple: keep up with your daily oral hygiene routine and schedule regular checkups at Total Care Dental. All you have to take care of is daily brushing, flossing and rinsing, and we’ll take care of the rest! This includes professional cleaning and examinations. Prioritize your oral hygiene and you’ll be on your way to better overall health!
Contact Total Care Dental to schedule dentistry appointments in Madison.
