How Dental Health Affect the Body’s Overall Health
Dental health is
probably an underrated part of one’s overall health. Most people’s concern of dentistry is cosmetic. However, overall dental health is very
important and more than just having a pretty smile and no cavities. Actually, overall health is affected by the
condition of one’s dental health. Most
people don’t realize that poor dental health may be affected by or even
contribute to various other non dental health issues. One condition that is the result of poor
dental health is endocarditis, which
can be caused by a gum disease that opens the gums and allows bacteria
to enter the bloodstream. If someone has a weak immune system or a heart valve,
this can cause infection in other parts of the body like the inner lining of
the heart, resulting in endocarditis.
Oral bacteria have been linked to heart disease, clogged arteries and
stroke. The causes of these conditions
at times are traced to an ongoing inflammation condition from a severe form of
gum disease. Premature birth and low
birth weight have also been linked to gum disease.
Those suffering from diabetes are fighting the body’s lowered resistance to
infection. Not only is inadequate sugar
control an issue, but there is a higher likelihood of infection of the
gums. When looking for a dentist, you
want a top dentist
that is familiar with both the cosmetic and health implications of overall
dental health.
Dr Stephen Coates is a Long Beach Ca
dentist that is aware of the overall health implications of poor dental
health. Dr. Coates stresses
the need for education and prevention for all his clients as providing “dental
health care” is a better alternative to “disease care.” For information on the
many services of Dr Coates, please click here.