Health Conditions You May Not Realize Are Linked to Poor Oral Health

Caring for your oral health is easy when you follow good dental care habits and make regular visits to your dentist for dental cleanings and examinations. Dr. Jennifer Nation and the team at Brookside Smiles in Redlands, California, work with patients looking to maintain and improve their oral health. Dental hygiene, in combination with regular dental visits, will help you avoid many oral health concerns that could even result in serious health problems.

Cardiovascular Disease

There are many health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, which are linked to your oral health. When your gums become inflamed due to periodontal (gum) disease, the bacteria causing the inflammation can eventually make their way into your bloodstream and result in a build-up of hardened plaque in your arteries. When this plaque hardens, a condition called atherosclerosis arises and is very serious, which can lead to blood flow problems and blockages in the heart. All of this puts you at a significant risk for heart attack.

Dementia

Poor oral health can also affect your brain. When your gums are inflamed, substances created by the infection can kill brain cells and result in memory loss. Studies have shown that diseases, including dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease, can be linked to existing and untreated gum disease. This is due to the bacteria which is causing gum disease having the ability to travel to the nerve channels and enter the bloodstream.

Diabetes

Individuals who have diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and other infections, which lead to periodontal disease. And periodontal disease makes diabetes more challenging to keep in check. Blood sugar levels can go crazy due to gum disease, so this makes taking care of your gums especially important if you have diabetes. Because untreated gum disease can eventually lead to increased blood sugar levels, those with poor oral health are at an increased risk for developing diabetes.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Nation at Brookside Smiles, please call (909) 300-9044 today. They also serve residents of Loma, Linda, Yucaipa, Beaumont, Colton, and Grand Terrace.