Better Oral Health May Mean Better Overall Health

Improper oral health leads to plaque buildup and plaque formation may lead to gingivitis, which in some patients may progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.

Recent evidence suggests that periodontitis may be associated with heart disease, diabetes and among pregnant women, premature, low birth weight babies.

Heart Disease

What is the association between oral health and your heart?

Studies suggest that oral inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontitis may be associated with the development of heart disease
One theory is that harmful oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels of the heart
Another theory is that inflammatory proteins may enter the bloodstream and may stimulate inflammation in blood vessels
Both theories suggest that these conditions may lead to blood clots and contribute to heart disease

When you have heart disease, maintaining good oral health is important. Remember to:

Make sure your dentist and hygienist know you have a heart problem
Have regular dental checkups
Maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing twice a day
Eat healthy, exercise and if you smoke, quit

Diabetes

What is the association between diabetes and oral health?

Diabetes may affect your oral health, and your oral health may affect your diabetes
Studies show that gum disease may be more difficult to manage and /or eliminate in patients with diabetes
When your blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, the following oral conditions may develop: periodontitis, tooth loss, thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth, and dry mouth
And recent evidence suggests that periodontitis may adversely affect a person with diabetes in controlling his/her blood sugar levels

When you have diabetes, maintaining good oral health is important. Remember to:

Follow your physician's instructions and control your blood sugar levels
Go for regular dental checkups (tell your dentist and hygienist you have diabetes and about any medications you may be taking)
Practice good oral hygiene with twice-a-day brushing and flossing

Pregnancy

What is the association between pregnancy and oral health?

When you are pregnant, the increased level of hormones affect the way gums react to irritants in plaque
Research in pregnant patients with periodontitis suggests that plaque bacteria and inflammatory proteins may enter the blood stream, which may contribute to the incidence of preterm, low birth weight babies.

When you are pregnant, maintaining good oral health is important. Remember to: