Taking good care of your mouth–teeth and gums—does more than help ensure you have a bright, white smile. A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand! Good oral hygiene can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease. The phrase “healthy mouth, healthy you” really is true—backed now by scientific evidence. Keep in mind these 6 ways having healthy teeth and gums that help boost overall health.

Boost Your Self-esteem and Confidence

Decayed teeth and gum disease are often associated not only with an unsightly mouth, but bad breath as well.  Bad breath can affect your confidence, self-image and self-esteem. With a healthy mouth that is free of gum disease and cavities, your quality of life is  bound to be better. You can eat properly, sleep better and concentrate with no aching teeth or gum infections to distract you.

May Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Chronic inflammation from gum disease have been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels and strokes. The link between gum disease and other serious health problems has shown up in numerous studies too. The findings of these studies suggest that maintaining oral health can protect your overall health.

Preserves Your Memory

Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than those with healthy gums and mouths.  Those with gingivitis were also more likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed verbal recall and subtraction–both are skills used in everyday life.

Reduces Risks of Infection and Inflammation in Your Body

Poor oral health has been linked with the development of infection in other parts of the body.

Research has found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Experts say that the mechanism of destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis is similar. Eating a balanced diet and seeing your Family Dentist regularly and good oral hygiene helps reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Helps Keep Blood Sugar Stable if You Have Diabetes

People with uncontrolled diabetes often have gum disease. Having diabetes can make you less able to fight off infections, including gum infections that can lead to serious gum disease. Some experts found if you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop more severe gum problems than someone without diabetes. This will make it more difficult for you to control blood sugar levels as well.

Helps Pregnant Women Carry a Baby to Term

Women may experience increased gingivitis during pregnancy. Research suggests a relationship between gum disease and preterm, low-birth weight infants. If you are pregnant, be sure to include a dental visit Dr.Shlafer as part of your prenatal care.

If you have any dental concerns relating to a medical problem, please know that Dr.Shlafer is available to discuss your issues.

 Here are several medical conditions that during your regular dental exam, Dr.Shlafer may see signs of a health problem.

• Oral Cancer:  Dr.Shlafer can screen for precancerous changes in the oral tissues. This type of early detection of oral cancer(using ViziLite Plus)  can result in successful treatment. Even better, oral cancer can be prevented if found and treated in the precancerous stages. About  25% of  people diagnosed with  oral cancer (the 6th most common cancer in the U.S.) have none of the traditional risk factors associated with the disease, such as the use of tobacco products.
• Pregnancy Complications: Infants born prematurely in the U.S. account for 6%-9% of all births, but 70% of all prenatal deaths. The National Institute of Health  reports  that as many as 18%  of the  250,00 premature low-weight infants born in this country each year may be the result of inflammatory gum disease. Studies show that pregnant women with severe gum disease have 7 times the risk of delivering a low-birthweight baby.
• Heart Disease:  Studies have shown that people with severe periodontal disease, are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease  than those without gum infection.  A study released  in February of 2005 shows that older adults who have higher proportions of periodontal disease causing bacteria in their mouths also tend to have thicker carotid arteries, a stronge predictor of stroke and heart attack.
• Diabetes: Many people with diabetes may not know they have it. Dr.Shlafer can play an important role in discovering oral symptoms and help with the management of it. Diabetics tend to get periodontal disease at a rate of 3-4 times higher than people without diabetes. Other oral problems diabetes can cause is  dry mouth, burning of mouth or tongue, a fungal infection, or a distinct breath odor.

It makes sense to safeguard your general health through  proper oral health care. Call us today with any health concerns you may have.