Mouth Body Connection
New Bedford, Falmouth, & Hyannis, MA
Mouth Body Connection Education provided by Dr. Gus Dehni
and Dr. Chris Webb
in New Bedford, Falmouth, & Hyannis, MA at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
There is a strong link between your oral health and overall health. The condition of your mouth mirrors the quality of your physical health.
Studies illustrate a close relationship between gum disease and chronic health conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, heart disease, and pregnancy issues. Poor oral hygiene causes a buildup of bacteria inside the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused when bacteria make their way to the gums.
Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
Diabetes is a health condition where the body is either unable to produce insulin, or is unable to utilize the insulin it produces. This results in excess glucose (sugar) in the blood. Diabetes can cause a variety of symptoms and also lead to other chronic health issues such as stroke or heart disease.
Blood circulation inside the body may slow down as a result of diabetes, which may enable bacteria to settle. This also decreases the body’s strength to combat infections, increasing the chances of contracting gum disease.
Moreover, diabetes makes the blood vessels thick, which hampers the natural process of taking in good nutrients and getting rid of harmful waste from the body. This may cause damaging substances to be left inside the mouth, which can lead to gum erosion.
Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease
When fatty proteins and plaque form on the walls of your arteries, it can tighten the passage and limit blood flow. In this scenario the heart is unable to receive sufficient oxygen, possibly resulting in chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart attack.
People with chronic oral diseases are more likely to develop heart conditions. They are also at a higher risk of strokes, which is caused by a sudden halt of blood flow to the brain due to a blood clot.
Gum disease and heart disease are linked in several ways. Specific strands of periodontal bacteria may enter the bloodstream and combine with the plaque in the coronary arteries. When this happens, a clot can form and increase the probability of a heart attack.
Periodontal disease may cause inflammation in the mouth, which leads to a rise in white blood cells C-reactive proteins (CRP). When CRPs increase, the body may swell and allow oral bacteria to reach the bloodstream. This makes the liver produce CRP, which develops into blood clots or causes inflammation in the arteries. Both conditions can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
Respiratory disease implies problems concerning the breathing system where fine germ-containing droplets enter the lungs through the mouth and throat. These bacteria generally cause breathing difficulties.
Bacteria linked to periodontal disease may enter the lower respiratory tract and either cause lung conditions or aggravate pre-existing conditions. Gum disease can result in respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia and emphysema.
People already suffering from respiratory diseases generally have a compromised immune system, allowing bacteria to multiply easily. The body’s natural defense against bacteria is weakened, making a respiratory issue worse when they contract periodontal disease.
Women who are pregnant are also more prone to gum disease due to hormonal changes in their bodies. It is important to be aware and take preventive measures to maintain physical and oral health.
If you experience pain or swelling in your gums, schedule an appointment with us at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry by calling us at 508-204-3145 today.
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