Maybe it’s because we’ve always gone to the doctor and dentist separately, but many people think of oral hygiene and overall health as separate concerns. While I understand the reason for this misconception, it’s important to remember that your mouth and teeth are parts of your body and just as connected to your systemic health as anything else. In recent years, an increasing body of research has demonstrated just how important solid oral care is to your overall wellness.
Much work has been done exploring the link between oral health and two major diseases: diabetes and heart disease. Diabetes and gum disease have a reciprocal relationship. According to WebMD, “people with poor blood sugar control get gum disease more often and mo re severely, and they lose more teeth.” On the flip side, periodontal issues like gum disease can cause glucose spikes, which presents a serious issue for patients with diabetes.
The studies involving heart disease are just as revealing. The bacteria that causes gum disease travels through your blood stream, where it comes in contact with your heart and circulatory system. During heart surgeries, doctors have found the same species of bacteria in clogged arteries that are common in gum diseases. Needless to say, those pesky organisms in your mouth can end up affecting your entire body.
The connection between oral hygiene and your health is why it’s so important for us to know about any conditions you have or medications you take. We want you to have a beautiful smile, but it’s just as important to promote a healthy environment in your mouth. It’s not just a cosmetic issue; it’s a part of your overall wellness.
Your dentist and doctor may be in separate offices, but the work they do is intertwined. Or to put it another way, you can’t get a full picture of your health without taking a look inside your mouth.