Oral Health and Overall Health with Your Dentist in La Porte

Did you know that your overall health can be affected by your oral health? The condition of your teeth and gums can have a dramatic impact on your overall well-being. This is called the oral systemic connection, and it refers to the fact that anything in your mouth can easily travel throughout your entire body. This is especially significant when it comes to gum disease. Dr. Daniel Berquist, your dentist in La Porte, wants you to understand this connection and how it can lead to other serious conditions.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems experienced by people today. In fact, nearly half of all U.S. adults currently have a form of gum disease, and many are not even aware of it. It occurs when a buildup of plaque and bacteria starts to break down your gum tissue, just like it does with your teeth. Gum disease has early symptoms like redness and swelling, but over time it can actually contribute to diabetes, heart problems, and dementia.

Diabetes

The bacteria in your mouth thrives on sugar, and this includes glucose. Gum disease has been shown to directly affect how the body absorbs sugar, which can lead a person to develop diabetes. Patients with gum disease have been shown to have a higher rate of diabetes than the general population. One common complication from diabetes involves the thickening of the blood vessels, and this can make it more difficult for them to carry nutrient rich blood and eliminate harmful wastes. This, in turn, can make a patient’s gums more vulnerable to infection, creating a harmful cycle.

Heart Problems

Scientists have been studying the connection between heart disease and gum disease for decades. They seem to have one main thing in common: inflammation. The same inflammation that can cause hardened arteries can also be observed in swollen gums. Scientists believe they are connected because the buildup of bacteria along the gum line doesn’t simply stay there. Gums are very vascular, meaning the bacteria can easily get into your bloodstream. This bacteria can then go anywhere in your body and cause inflammation. Should this inflammation occur in the heart, it can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Dementia

Gum disease has also been linked to a higher risk of dementia later in life. Once again, the bacteria on your gums can easily travel to all parts of your body, and this includes your brain. Researchers have even found Porphyromonas gingivalis, gum disease bacteria, in the brains of patients with dementia. The working theory among scientists is that the brain is constantly exposed to bacteria from the gums, and its immune response can lead to nerve cell death and lasting memory loss.

What You Can Do About It

Dr. Berquist and his team are more than capable of treating and preventing gum disease way before it can lead you to these serious conditions. Whenever you come in for a routine check-up, they will always examine your gums to make sure they are healthy.

Consistent brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent gum disease, but you may need more specialized treatment if it is more advanced. Dr. Berquist and his team will use a pair of procedures called scaling and root planing to eliminate the buildup of plaque and bacteria along your gum line. These treatments also help protect you against gum disease in the future.

Any Questions?

Your La Porte dentist is not only important to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but the rest of you as well. Keep an eye on your gums whenever you’re brushing your teeth, and be sure to contact us if you spot any swelling or irritation on your gums.

If you’d like to know more about how your overall health is influenced by your oral health, or want to schedule an appointment, please give us a call today.