Dental health is a critical component of overall health and well-being. Poor dental hygiene can cause cavities and gum disease, as well as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is a lifelong commitment that helps make you smile. Marine Hills Dentistry is here to assist you.
The Mouth as a Portal to Overall Health
Bacteria abound in your mouth, as they do in the rest of your body. Because your mouth connects to your digestive and respiratory systems, some bacteria can cause illness. Oral health measures like daily brushing and flossing help keep bacteria under control. However, poor oral hygiene can lead to oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease.
Many things maintain dental health:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss your teeth once a day at the very least
- Consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables
- Avoid tobacco
- Consuming fluoridated water
- Availing professional dental care
Areas of Concern
Dental health is vital for your overall health. However, when looking at your mouth, your gums have the greatest impact on your overall health. In particular, bad gums can harm your health in numerous ways. Those areas of concern include:
- Cardiovascular Disease
Bacteria from gum disease inflammation can enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart’s arteries, causing:
- Atherosclerosis
When plaque forms on and thickens the inner walls of your arteries, blood flow through the body is reduced, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- Endocarditis
The endocardium (the inner lining of the heart) can also become infected and inflamed.
- Dementia
Gingivitis bacteria can enter your brain through nerve channels or the bloodstream, potentially leading to Alzheimer’s disease.
- Infections of the Lungs
Inhaling bacteria from infected teeth and gums for an extended period may result in lung infections and pneumonia.
- Complications of Diabetes
Periodontal disease can exacerbate diabetes and make blood sugar control difficult. Diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease. It is a vicious cycle.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
The greater the tooth loss caused by gum disease, the greater the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Every part of our body needs to be cared for, and our health affects other parts and systems. It is not something to joke about. A good oral hygiene routine will benefit your teeth, mouth, and smile. Your whole body should be smiling,
Marine Hills Dentistry is here for you. Call Dentist in Federal Way, WA at (253) 839-2800 to schedule an appointment. We can be found at 1500 S Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98003.