Everyone knows that poor oral health can lead to cavities, gum disease, and a host of other dental and oral health disorders. What more and more Edmonton dentists also want their patients to know is that oral health can affect your overall health as well. Health issues that begin in the mouth don't necessarily remain there. At Westmount Dental Centre, a family dentist in Edmonton, we are committed to providing our patients with accurate information on how oral health and overall health relate to one another.
Gum disease is of particular importance in the discussion about the impact of oral health on overall health. An inflammatory condition caused by an overabundance of plaque bacteria, gum disease, when left untreated, has been linked to many serious health problems. Because gum disease is inflammatory, it can contribute to the development and progression of other inflammatory health conditions, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. This, in turn, can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Recent research has likewise linked gum disease with diabetes. People who have diabetes seem to be more susceptible to developing gum disease. If gum disease is not then properly managed and treated, it can contribute to even greater diabetes complications. Gum disease is also being looked at as a cause or an aggravating factor behind certain lung conditions. It is possible for the plaque bacteria which causes gum disease to make its way from the mouth and into the lungs, triggering respiratory diseases. There is ongoing research looking at the link between poor oral health and complications during pregnancy as well. Women with gum disease seem to be at risk of giving birth to low birth weight babies, putting the baby at a greater risk of birth abnormalities, ear infections, asthma, developmental complications, and behavioural difficulties later in life. The good news is that a healthy mouth can actually help prevent medical disorders related to gum disease. Improving your oral health and visiting your Edmonton dentist on regular basis can also help lessen the severity of the conditions discussed above if you have already developed them. Furthermore, keeping up with dental visits is one of the best ways to catch the signs of oral cancer early on. If detected in its early stages, oral cancer is much more likely to respond to treatment. As you can see, taking care of your oral health is an important part of taking care of your overall health. Just as you should go for your routine medical check-ups, you should also visit your West Edmonton dentist on regular basis. While a healthy mouth doesn't ensure perfect health on its own, it can be a key component of working towards improved overall health and wellness. Westmount Dental Centre is a family dentist that can look after the dental health needs of your whole family. If you're due for a dental check-up, or if you have concerns about your oral health, then don't hesitate to contact Westmount Dental Centre today.