How Poor Oral Health Can Lead to Systemic Illness

Having a healthy and beautiful smile adds to our confidence, helps us make a good impression, and allows us to express ourselves authentically. While this is known to most, what is not well understood is how ideal oral health also contributes to our total well-being.

Reducing the Risk of Disease by Caring for Your Gums

In the presence of oral hygiene or gum disease, there is an abundance of potent oral bacteria that can be inhaled into the lungs or enter the bloodstream through small breaks in oral soft-tissue.

A clear link between oral bacteria and the following conditions has been reported by several University studies:

• Lung Disease 
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes 
• Auto-Immune Disorders
• Premature Birth
• Dementia

Oral Bacteria can reach the heart and lungs easily and can cause infections. Veins and arteries can thicken as well. Chronic inflammation associated with diabetes impacts blood sugar levels, and the enzymes created by advanced gum disease mimic those of labor and birth. 

Tooth-loss is a known result of gum disease and losing several teeth can lead to bone loss as well as changes in one’s natural facial contours. Resorption is the process of losing bone mass in the jawbone, which causes tooth loss and can lead to an appearance of premature aging.

Maintaining Ideal Oral Health with our Redlands, CA Dentist

Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, limiting sweets, and keeping regular visits to the dentist will help reduce the risk of gum disease. Dr. Conrad Lucero believes long-lasting smiles require proper home oral hygiene and regular compassionate dental care. Contact our Redlands dental practice today to schedule your professional cleaning and examination.