Dental Plan Blog

Can your dental health affect your overall health?

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Your dental health speaks great volumes about the health of your body. With a single oral exam, your dentist can often detect any immune system problems, nutritional deficiencies, stress or infections you might have. Think of your dentist as a disease detective and your oral cavity the window to your overall health.  

Infections of your teeth, mouth and gums can take a major toll on the health of…

… your heart. Studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 1.5-2 times more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and even 3 times more likely to suffer from a stroke!

…your lungs. Your oral tissue can become infected with respiratory disease-causing bacteria. Once inhaled, these bacteria can cause major problems and lead to the development of diseases like pneumonia.

…people with diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to develop periodontal disease than their non-diabetic counterparts. This is according to the American Academy of Periodontology which states that periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Research also shows that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, which puts diabetics at a heightened risk for diabetic complications.

…the intestines. Poor oral health aversely impacts the function of the digestive system. This, in turn, can lead to intestinal failure and a whole host of other problems.

…the blood stream. When your gums are healthy, bacteria in your mouth typically don’t enter the bloodstream. However, gum disease, some invasive dental treatments and medicines that reduce saliva flow may provide bacteria an easy port of entry. Once in the bloodstream, bacteria has free reign to wreak havoc on your body’s vital organs causing harmful infections.

So, it goes without saying that you should keep your dentist in the loop on your medical conditions. That way, he or she can provide care and recommendations accordingly. Also, visiting your dentist twice annually for oral exams and cleanings is one of the many precautions you can take for heart health, lung health and to keep harmful infections at bay.

Need to find a dentist? Universal Dental Plan (a discount dental plan) makes regular visits to Boston dentists and other Massachusetts dentists and specialists affordable for its members.  That way, they can stay one step ahead of the curve and ensure oral diseases and conditions are diagnosed and treated promptly.