Lake Forest, Lake Bluff IL
Each system in the human body links together for optimal performance. Each system has a job to do, but did you know that each one depends on the function and health of other body areas? For example, your oral health directly affects your entire body through connections. Therefore, when you have many bacteria in your mouth, you could experience additional health concerns such as inflammation. However, our Lake Forest family dentists warn patients that extensive oral bacterial could cause additional health concerns. Our dental team shares on the blog today how your mouth could be responsible for your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and other diseases.
Neglecting Your Oral Health
Neglecting to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly leads to bad breath, cavities, broken or missing teeth, and gum disease. As a severe oral health condition, gum disease is a bacterial infection that damages your gums, teeth, and jawbone. Although gum disease is uncurbable, it is manageable through professional dental treatments and improved oral hygiene.
Below are more conditions that our Lake Forest dentists warn patients about when they choose to neglect their oral health
- Heart Attack
Scientific studies show that harmful oral bacteria can enter your bloodstream when you have gum disease. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria flows through your body until it reaches your heart, where it sticks to your arterial walls. As time passes, the substance becomes harder and increases your risk of a heart attack.
- Stroke
Hardened plaque dislodged from its location can enter other vital organs like your brain. When a brain superhighway becomes clogged with debris, a stroke occurs. Although stroke victims can recover, the journey can be long and challenging. Unfortunately, full recovery is not definite.
- Respiratory Problems
Oral bacteria found in lung infections may cause pneumonia, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Therefore, patients who currently have these conditions are at high risk for complicating their current health status
if they aren’t taking good care of their teeth and gums.
- Diabetes
Bacteria from gum disease challenge your body’s ability to stabilize your blood sugar through appropriate insulin level production. Therefore, neglecting your oral health may interfere with blood sugar management or increase your risk of developing diabetes.
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become brittle. Left untreated, osteoporosis could affect your jawbone, causing it to recede or diminish, resulting in additional health conditions in your jaw joints, neck, and back.
- Alzheimer’s Disease
Cognitive dysfunction and memory loss are scientifically linked to reduced brain cells caused by untreated gum disease. A specific strain of oral bacteria has been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. These particular oral bacteria produce ganglia, which are responsible for brain cell destruction.
- Prenatal Complications
Studies show that pregnant mothers with gum disease often have premature or low birth weight babies. Therefore, maintaining a proper oral health regimen should be a prenatal care priority, so feel free to contact our Lake Bluff dental office to schedule a dental cleaning during your pregnancy.
- Cancer
Research shows that poor oral hygiene and gum disease may increase kidney, pancreatic, and mouth and throat cancers.
How to Protect Your Oral Health
Our dentists at Lake Forest Smiles want to help you protect your oral health, effectively lowering your overall risk of additional health damage. According to the American Dental Association and our Lake Forest board-certified dentists, you should brush your teeth twice and floss them once daily. For the best results, make sure you brush for two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste and be sure to replace your toothbrush after three months. Additionally, reduce your consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages, and remember to visit us every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup. Finally, when you uncover an oral health concern such as discolored or sensitive teeth or have a toothache, contact Lake Forest Smiles to schedule an appointment immediately.
Gum Disease Treatment in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire
Whether you’re looking for a Lincolnshire family dentist or seeking gum disease treatment in Lake Bluff, our experienced dentists are ready to serve you. The best treatment for you will be based on your individual treatment needs. With consistent care and at-home oral hygiene, you can stop gum disease from taking over your oral health. Feel free to call Lake Forest Smiles at (847) 234-4800 or contact us online to schedule an appointment to claim your victory over gum disease!
