“Those with periodontal disease are at a 25 percent raised risk of heart disease, thrice the risk of getting diabetes, and 20 percent raised risk of getting high blood pressure. With early detection, you may be able to prevent the development of more serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure.” (News-Medical.net,2020)
Good oral hygiene is essential to overall health and well-being. Dental health is often overlooked, yet it plays an important role in maintaining overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a number of systemic illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes. By understanding the benefits of dental health and the link between oral hygiene and systemic illnesses, we can make better decisions for our overall health.
Heart disease
The number of people suffering from heart disease due to poor oral hygiene is quite staggering. Recent studies have shown a link between poor oral health and heart disease 2,000 adults found that those with poor oral hygiene had significantly higher risk factors for heart disease compared to those with good dental hygiene. One case study conducted in 2019 found that people with gum disease were 24% more likely to suffer from heart disease.
Released this year even went further, finding that the risk of heart disease was 70% higher in individuals with severe cases of gum disease. This statistic should not be taken lightly; taking care of your oral hygiene can reduce your chances of developing heart disease. It is thought that bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation in the arteries and other parts of the body, leading to conditions like high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries which can lead to heart attacks and stroke. According to American Heart Association, those with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease than those without it.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blood clot or by a ruptured blood vessel. Inflammation is a key factor in the development of stroke, and researchers believe that gum disease may contribute to inflammation in the body, increasing the risk of a stroke.
Inflammation caused by gum disease is believed to be a major factor contributing to the development of heart disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and
attach to fatty deposits in the heart's blood vessels, leading to the formation of blood clots that may eventually block blood flow. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent gum disease and thereby reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, studies have also shown that periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, can increase the risk of a heart attack by two to three times the normal rate. Hence, maintaining good oral hygiene may be crucial in reducing the risk for heart disease.
Diabetes
It has been determined that there is a strong association between poor oral hygiene and diabetes. People with poor oral hygiene are at greater risk for developing diabetes due to the presence of periodontal disease and the resulting inflammation. Periodontal disease can be caused by several factors such as an inadequate dental hygiene routine, genetics, smoking or chewing tobacco, hormonal changes such as those related to pregnancy or menopause, conditions that lower immunity like leukemia and HIV/AIDS, poor nutrition, and certain medications.
Statistics show that people with type 2 diabetes have higher levels of periodontal disease than those without diabetes. This could be because diabetes makes it harder for the body to fight off infections and can also cause complications in the mouth, such as the dry mouth. Poor oral hygiene can make it harder for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels, which can lead to a range of serious health problems.
To further explore the link between oral hygiene and diabetes, a case study was conducted involving patients with diabetes who also had periodontal disease. If neglected, this condition can cause diabetics ischemic heart disease and kidney illness. Consequently, the mortality risk is increased by 3.
It is important for people with diabetes to practice good oral hygiene to help prevent the onset of periodontal disease. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups are also essential for maintaining optimal oral health.
When a person has diabetes, their body is not able to process sugar properly. High sugar levels in the blood can lead to a host of medical conditions, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and blindness. Gum disease can also make it difficult to control blood sugar levels, as periodontitis causes the body to produce more cytokines (inflammatory proteins), which in turn can affect insulin sensitivity. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene is important for those with diabetes in order to prevent gum disease and other oral problems that can intensify the condition. Improved home care routines, as well as regular dental visits and professional cleanings, can keep gums healthy and prevent problems associated with diabetes.
Gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and tissues around the teeth. It is caused by the build-up of plaque, a sticky substance that forms when bacteria and food particles are not removed from the teeth and gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Symptoms of gum disease include redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, receding gums, and chronic bad breath.
If you think you may have gum disease, it is important to visit your dentist for a check-up and professional cleaning. Your dentist can assess the severity of your condition and recommend appropriate treatments, such as deep cleaning, antibiotics, or surgery. In addition to visiting your dentist regularly, there are several steps you can take at home to keep your gums healthy. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, using mouthwash, avoiding tobacco products, and eating a balanced diet.
How often should you visit the dentist?
Visiting the dentist regularly is important for maintaining good oral health. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. This allows your dentist to examine your mouth for any signs of decay, infection, or other issues that may require treatment. During these visits, your dentist will also be able to clean and polish your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar buildup.
It is important to note that some individuals may need to visit the dentist more frequently than others. For example, individuals with existing dental issues or chronic conditions like diabetes may need to go more often. Additionally, those who smoke, consume alcohol, or eat a lot of sugary foods may need to go more often as well. If you’re unsure how often you should visit the dentist, talk to your dentist and they can give you an individualized recommendation.
Why is it important to see a dentist regularly?
Regular dental visits are essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing the development of chronic health issues. Visiting the dentist regularly is important for a few different reasons.
Firstly, it helps to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth in top condition. During a dental exam, your dentist can check for tooth decay and gum disease that you may not be able to detect at home. The earlier you catch any problems, the better your chances of stopping or reversing them before they become more serious. It’s also important to have a professional cleaning every 6 months to remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone can't do.
Additionally, regular dental visits can help spot early signs of systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Your dentist will look for signs of inflammation or changes in your gums, which can indicate that something is wrong before it’s visible or causes symptoms.
Finally, regular dental visits allow you to develop a relationship with your dentist. This allows them to get to know you and your medical history better, so they can provide the best possible care.
What are some things you can do at home to maintain your oral health?
It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing your teeth, at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy and free from cavities and other dental issues. Some additional habits that you can implement to improve your oral hygiene include:
1. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash - some mouthwashes contain fluoride, chlorhexidine, and essential oils that help reduce plaque buildup, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and freshen breath. Consult your dentist about which mouthwash is appropriate for your needs as it can be harsh and may cause sensitivity or irritation.
2. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks - these can cause damage to the enamel on your teeth, making your teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Sugar and acid can also contribute to gum disease which can lead to tooth loss.
3. Chew sugar-free gum - chewing sugar-free gum helps to increase saliva flow which helps to wash away food particles and neutralize acids in the mouth. Look for gum that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that can also help prevent cavities.
4. Quit smoking - smoking increases the risk of developing periodontal disease, oral cancer, tooth loss, and staining on the teeth.
5. Drink plenty of water - staying hydrated helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities and bad breath.
6. Schedule regular dental checkups - visiting your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings can help keep your teeth and gums healthy, preventing major dental problems in the future.
By implementing these habits into your daily routine, you will be able to maintain a healthy mouth and smile!
What is NoMoreWaitlists and How can we help you find a dentist?
NoMoreWaitLists is a revolutionary way to find a dentist quickly and easily. NoMoreWaitLists is an online directory of dental clinics across Canada that provides up-to-date information about availability and wait times. This platform allows you to find a comprehensive list of dentists and other services that are available now and those that may be available soon, along with all the necessary information, such as the services offered and contact details. It also helps you compare different dentists by visiting their profiles from our directory.
With this information, you can easily find a clinic in your area and make an appointment without having to wait weeks or months. By visiting your dentist on a regular basis and following good oral hygiene practices, you can help protect yourself from periodontitis disease and other serious health conditions.
At NoMoreWaitLists, we understand how important regular dental visits are for overall health. That’s why we make it easy to find and book appointments with dentists in your area. Visit us online to find a dentist near you and start taking better care of your oral health today!
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