Your Oral and Overall Health are Connected:

The connection between the mouth and your overall health is much more important than  most people realize. The belief, that dental disease (like gum disease) is localized to your mouth is wrong. It is not unusual that the first sign of a disease can show up within your mouth, one of them is gum disease which can cause problems in other areas of your body.

The mouth is full of bacteria and the saliva which contains enzymes it is the natural key defense system to destroy bacteria and viruses in different ways. Brushing alone can not eliminate the breeding ground of bacteria between the teeth, therefore brushing in combination with flossing should be a daily routine to keep bacteria under control.

Harmful bacteria growing out of control can lead to gingivitis (milder form of gum disease) and to periodontitis which is a serious infection of the gums and the bone.

With healthy gums bacteria usually does not enter the bloodstream. Gum disease and invasive dental treatment may provide a port for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and these harmful bacterial components travel through the bloodstream to other organs of your body.

Medications or treatments that reduce saliva flow or disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth also may lead to oral changes, making it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. It is well documented that many health conditions have an oral component such as swollen or bleeding gums, dry mouth, ulcers, bad breath, metallic taste and other changes within the oral cavity. People, who have regular oral examinations, may be the first to be diagnosed of a health problem in its early stages.

The following Diseases and Conditions may be Linked to Oral Health:

Diabetes:

Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth and other oral conditions. Severe periodontal disease contributes to the increase of blood sugar and therefore it is very difficult to control. Research suggests that treatment of gum disease can improve the control of blood sugar for patients with diabetes. With poor oral health and the combination of a infection blood sugar may rise and more insulin is needed to keep it under control.

Cancer:

Your dentist as a part of a routine dental exam should screen for oral cancers including cancer of the head and neck. Other cancers the dentist may recognize include skin cancer, cancer of the jaw bone and the thyroid gland.

Heart Disease:

Studies have shown that people with moderate or advanced gum disease have a greater prevalence of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, than patients with no gum disease, gingivitis or early periodontitis. However, studies have not established a particular cause, because many of the risk factors for gum disease and cardiovascular disease include (smoking, poor diet and nutrition, diabetes, and having a low socioeconomic status) are the same.

Pregnancy and Birth:

Gum disease has been linked to premature birth. This is why it's vital to maintain excellent oral health and nutrition before and during your pregnancy.

HIV/AIDS:

Oral problems are very common if you have HIV/AIDS. Common symptoms include ulcers, dry mouth and related painful mucosal lesions. One of the first signs of AIDS may be severe fungal, viral and gum infection. You may also develop persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth.

Osteoporosis:

Systemic loss of bone density in osteoporosis, including bone in the jaw, may create a condition where the bone supporting your teeth is increasingly susceptible to infectious destruction. The first stages of bone loss may show up around your teeth .Your dentist may be able to spot this on a routine clinical examination or with dental X-rays. If detected and the bone loss accelerate it is well advised to see an other health care provider.

Kidney Disease:

Not properly function of the kidney create the by-products of incomplete protein breakdown which are released. A patient with kidney disease may have bad breath and may also notice an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The other signs are dry mouth and a metallic taste. Saliva is reduced with dry mouth and its normal natural cleansing effect is diminished. This allows bacteria to increase, potentially leading to the development of gingivitis and gum disease.

Anxiety:

Did you know that emotional anxiety can affect your oral health? Stress affects the immune system, which fights against the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, making a person suffering from anxiety more prone to gum infection.

Respiratory & Periodontal Disease:

If you have periodontal disease, you may be at increased risk for respiratory disease. Infections in the mouth - like periodontal disease, are associated with increased respiratory infection. If you are at risk for respiratory disease or periodontal disease see a dentist for a periodontal evaluation – because health gums may lead to a healthier body.

Joint Replacement and Periodontal Disease:

For people with knee or hip replacements, periodontal disease can increase the risk of complications. Bacteria associated with periodontal disease can become lodged in the artificial joint and potentially cause joint failure. Again, this is why patients with recently placed artificial joints require antibiotics before dental treatment.

Other medical conditions. More than 120 medical conditions that can be detected in the early stages by a dentist, including thyroid problems, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep and breathing disorders, skin rashes, bruxism (teeth grinding), tuberculosis, drug abuse, anorexia, digestive disorders and upper respiratory problems. There are many other conditions they make their presence known in your mouth before you know anything's wrong. These may include Sjogren's syndrome (Sjogren's Syndrome) is an autoimmune disorder that affects about 1 in 500 people. Middle-aged women are more predominantly affected than men, comprising about 90% of those affected. The most common symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome are excessively dry eyes and mouth due to lower tear and saliva production. Other symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome occur in varying degrees. These can include arthritis, pain in the muscles and nerves, low thyroid function or a swollen thyroid gland, and increased pain or swelling in the lymph nodes. Those affected may also suffer from fatigue and sleep deprivation, certain cancers, eating disorders, syphilis, gonorrhea and substance abuse.