How Dental Health Connects to Your Overall Health

Many people don’t know how connected their dental health is to their overall health. This connection goes both ways: oral health problems can cause problems in other parts of the body, while certain conditions increase your risk for dental issues.

Diabetes & Gum Disease

Millions of people in the United States have diabetes. When this disease isn’t addressed, it can have severe consequences, such as delayed healing, vision loss, kidney failure, and amputations. Your oral health is impacted too. Diabetes increases your risk for mouth infections and gum disease, and subsequent tooth loss.

Heart Health

A buildup of plaque and tartar causes gum disease, characterized by inflammation and irritation of the gum tissue. Bacteria can then spread through your bloodstream, resulting in inflammation throughout your body. It can increase your risk for blocked arteries, which reduces the blood flow to your heart and other vital organs.

Brain Function

Harmful bacteria and infections in your mouth can travel to your brain. There is emerging research that gum disease and brain conditions like dementia are connected!

How to Improve Your Oral Health & Overall Health

Cleaning your teeth and gums is just as important as exercising and consuming a healthy diet. At home, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Additionally, brush your tongue and floss between your teeth every day. We also recommend avoiding tobacco products.

At Imperial Christina Dental Care in Lakeland, FL, we offer comprehensive oral healthcare, such as preventive dentistry and restorative dentistry, to help you have a healthy mouth. And a healthy mouth will contribute positively to your overall wellness and reduce your risk of disease.

If you have any questions about how your dental health may be affecting your overall health, please ask us! Your health is our priority.

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