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Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body? Ask a Dentist in Huber Heights!

November 13, 2017

Filed under: Uncategorized — drstriebel @ 3:16 pm

Human Body in Blue LightDid you know that a staggering 82 million Americans have heart disease and that 100 million have either diabetes or pre-diabetes? Given those statistics, there’s a good chance that either you or someone you know is affected by one of these conditions. There is good news: you may be surprised to know that taking care of your teeth and gums can actually help prevent or lessen these diseases! If you’d like to know how to have a healthy mouth and reduce your risk for disease at the same time, a visit with a dentist in Huber Heights can help.

How are the Mouth and the Rest of the Body Connected?

There’s been a tremendous amount of research done recently about the link between oral health and general health. It turns out that the mouth acts as a “gateway” to the rest of the body.

 

The plaque and tartar that accumulates on the teeth and gums are essentially bacteria. When that bacteria remains under the gumline, not only does it cause gingivitis and gum disease, it easily enters the bloodstream and travels throughout the entire body from the head to toe.

 

That means that bacteria from the mouth flows through your heart, brain, and each and every blood vessel in your body. Once there it can have adverse effects, such as causing inflammation, which can increase the risk for several diseases.

What Diseases Have Been Linked to Gum Health?

 

  • Diabetes – Some strains of bacteria from the mouth can contribute to insulin resistance.
  • Heart Disease – When bacteria from under the gumline travels to the heart, it can cause clogging of the arteries.
  • Dementia – Bacteria from the mouth enters the blood supply to the brain, and can cause inflammation which can be a factor in dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Pneumonia – Plaque and bacteria can be inhaled and cause respiratory infections such as pneumonia. This can be especially critical for elderly patients who have compromised immune systems.
  • Pregnancy – Research shows that pregnant women with gum disease are at risk for going into early labor or having low birth-weight babies.

 

What Can You Do to Stay Healthy?

 

The best way to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy is by having an exam with a Huber Heights dentist to give you an assessment.

 

One thing to remember is that you wouldn’t necessarily be aware that you have gum disease because it can be a “silent disease,” meaning that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Without any indication that there’s something wrong, gum disease and other oral health problems can go undiagnosed for years without proper care.

 

Thankfully all it takes is regular dental visits with an experienced dentist who can help you improve both your oral and general health at the same time!

About the Author

 

Dr. James A. Striebel is a dentist in Huber Heights and a native of the Dayton area. He has over 20 years experience in providing exceptional dental care for the whole family. He is a firm believer in the importance of having good oral health as part of overall well-being for every individual. For further information he can be contacted at https://www.jamesstriebeldds.com/ or by phone at (937) 235-2400.

 

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