The Scary Truth About the Mouth-Body Connection

We all worry about health – whether it’s our own or a loved one’s. And we all engage in a certain level of disease prevention. But your teeth and gums don’t always rise to the forefront as the first priorities.
What if we told you that keeping your smile healthy could reduce your risk of much more serious conditions?

Emerging research continues to suggest that systemic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s and more could be linked to the state of your oral health. Gum disease has especially pressing connections to these conditions. So if it’s been some time since you flossed, or scheduled your last dental exam, it’s definitely a good idea to schedule.

Keep reading to check out our oral & systemic health infographic. If you’re already at risk of one of the conditions listed below due to family history or personal habits, it’s an especially wise plan to pay your teeth and gums a little extra attention – more on that below the infographic.

Why Great Oral Health Can Keep Your Whole Body Healthy

Know the Gum Disease Risk Factors

Gum disease is a big player in the mouth-body connection – most studies linking oral and systemic health cite periodontal bacteria or inflammation as the concerning factors. If you’re at a heightened risk of gum disease, it may be beneficial to visit your dentist more than 2x a year. As much as you want to get your dental exams over with, an extra appointment could help you avoid the need for invasive restorative treatment down the line.

Some of the common risk factors for periodontal disease include:

• Age – Those over the age of 65 are at a higher risk
• Tobacco Use – Either smokeless or cigarettes
• Genetics – Family history can make individuals susceptible to gum disease
• Stress – Chronic stress is linked to a wide variety of health conditions
• Medications – Anything that causes dry mouth
• Clenching or grinding – Bruxism places excessive force on teeth and gums and can destroy periodontal tissues
• Other diseases – Conditions that interfere with the inflammatory system, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis
• Poor nutrition – This makes it more difficult for the body to heal, and more likely for an infection to persist.

Looking for help with your disease prevention? Schedule your next exam today.

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