I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
Most people are aware that improper oral hygiene can lead to gum disease. However, what many people don't realize is that gum disease can lead to even more health issues. If you have gum disease, don't take the diagnosis with a grain of salt.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a serious issue. If left untreated, it can lead to bad breath, swollen gums, and even tooth loss. Gum disease can range from minor to severe. Severe gum disease will eventually spread through your teeth and into your jaw. Once it proceeds into your jaw, you can also suffer jawbone loss. If left untreated long enough, gum disease can lead to other minor or even serious illnesses as well.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is an umbrella term for several different similar heart conditions. These conditions are caused by plaque build-up in your arteries. The plaque build-up causes the arteries to become more narrow than they should be, making it difficult for blood to flow to and from the heart. Heart disease can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or complete heart failure.
The connection between gum disease and heart disease isn't crystal clear. However, completed studies have given scientists quite a bit of evidence to work with. One reason scientists believe gum disease leads to heart disease is because of the bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria can enter your bloodstream and attach to your blood vessels. It can cause clots, which increase blood pressure and lead to heart disease.
Another reason that researchers believe there is a link is because heart and gum disease have many of the same risk factors. Both can be caused by smoking, poor nutrition, and mismanaged diabetes. Therefore, many people who have gum disease are doing things that cause both diseases.
Sinus Infection
Although sinus infections are treatable and generally trivial, they can be extremely frustrating and painful. Your teeth are located right under your nasal cavities. The close proximity can cause the inflammation and other symptoms to travel up into your sinuses and form sinus infections. If an oral health issue causes your sinus infection, antibiotics may not completely relieve your symptoms. It's important to treat the underlying issues as well. Several oral health conditions such as cavities, abscessed teeth, and gum disease can all lead to sinus infections.
Gum disease is painful enough in itself. You don't want to add chronic sinus infections to the pain in your head. Not only that, you can end up with heart disease, and be at risk of strokes and heart attacks. For more help, try contacting periodontists to learn more.
Share17 November 2014
