Oral Systemic Connection in Ellicott City, MD

People often don’t realize their treatment of the mouth can have a lasting impact on the health of the body. When someone allows plaque and decay to build up, it can result in unpleasant conditions like high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease, weight gain, etc.

For optimal overall health and wellness, it is important to understand the oral-systemic connection – just how oral health is affected by the health of the body. At the Julian Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, we offer extensive education to help you make better oral choices.

What Is Oral Systemic Health?

This is the basic connection between your oral health and the possibility of developing a systemic disease such as diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and even dementia. It is important to engage in regular maintenance of the mouth, including brushing and flossing between the teeth at least twice a day.

As trained professionals, we are able to identify certain oral conditions that put you more at risk of developing a long-lasting systemic issue. These include periodontal disease, sleep apnea, and dental infections.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is the infection of the soft tissues which surround your teeth. These tissues are called the gums, and they can become infected with bacteria left behind when you eat and drink. Over time, the bacteria from your mouth are ingested and can wreak havoc on other parts of the body.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where the sufferer experiences periods where they stop breathing in their sleep. There are several varieties, but they can all result in dry mouth, a buildup of bacteria, and poor oral hygiene that allows bacteria and plaque to once again travel throughout the body.

Dental Infection

When a tooth becomes infected, you might need a root canal. A dental infection is when bacteria have managed to infiltrate the tough enamel on the outside of the tooth and attack the internal soft pulp. This infection allows dangerous bacteria to spread throughout the body when not treated.

What to Do

If you fear your oral hygiene is having a lasting effect on your overall health, come see us today at the Julian Center for Comprehensive Dentistry.