Most people have heard that gum disease exists. They’ve also heard that the disease is different for each person, which is mostly accurate. Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause for adult tooth loss in America? 70% of Americans are affected with various severity levels, and the condition can lead to different issues in the mouth. Studies have shown that whatever is occurring in your mouth can spread to the rest of your body. That’s why your local Ankeny, IA dentist wants to inform you of oral-systemic health connection.
Mouth, Body, Mind?
Like a beautiful, genuine smile, your mouth can facilitate the growth and spread of bad bacteria throughout your body. Joy is felt when one smiles or sees someone else smiling, which then spreads and others smile, too. Bacteria may be able to function this way through your bloodstream and into the rest of your body.
On a more scientific note, studies are being completed to discover how oral pathogens affect the other cells in your body. A direct connection between disease in the mouth and disease in body is being made, which means you oral health could be vital to keeping other systemic disease at bay and vice versa. To gain knowledge of how these oral pathogens function could push the oral-systemic connection into new territory.
Natural Reaction
When your body is infected, it reacts with fever and inflammation among other responses. If you’re experiencing swelling, bleeding, or redness along your gums, you’ve most likely have a more serious issue than just puffy gums. Bacterial infection not only causes inflammation, but it uses the increase vein size to enter the bloodstream and potentially spread to other parts of the body.
With the oral-systemic connection in mind, it’s important to maintain optimal oral health and communicate with your dentist when things aren’t right with your mouth.
ABOUT YOUR ANKENY DENTIST:
Since 2006, Dr. Amanda Foust has proudly treated families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your Ankeny, IA dentist today. You can reach Dental Impressions by calling (515) 965-0230.
