senior couple hug and smile after learning how oral health impact overall health

How Does Oral Health Relate to Overall Health?

October 18, 2022 6:12 pm | Published by Vista Ridge Family Dentistry

It’s no surprise that when something goes wrong with one part of your body, other parts are affected. However, because you go to a dentist for your teeth and a doctor for the rest of your body, it’s easy to forget how your oral health relates to your overall health. Here’s what to know:

Gum Disease Could Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease

Scientists have been investigating the link between gum disease and heart disease for a while. Mysteries remain, but experts believe if you have gum disease, you have 2-3 times the risk of heart attack or stroke. There may not be a direct connection, but it’s still a good idea to maintain good gum health.

Gum Disease & Diabetes Reinforce Each Other

Diabetes causes many health issues, including higher blood sugar levels in your mouth. High blood sugar levels encourage bacteria growth, which makes you more vulnerable to gum disease. These bacteria could raise your blood sugar even more, making gum disease and diabetes reinforcing problems.

TMJ Can Have Long-Term Effects

The two joints that connect your jaw to your skull are called TMJ, but any problem with these joints is also abbreviated as TMJ. Jaw tenderness, stiffness, and clicking are common symptoms. If untreated, TMJ can have long-term health effects like back and neck pain, migraines, and even hearing loss!

Your Oral Health Could Affect Your Brain Health

Considering your mouth and brain are both in your head, a connection between oral health and brain health isn’t that strange. In rare cases, tooth infections can travel to the brain, causing severe illness or even death. Because we know bacteria from the mouth can travel to the brain, there may be a link between gum disease and dementia, but researchers aren’t sure. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so everyone should take good care of their teeth if they want a healthy brain.

We Care About Your Oral Health & Overall Health at Vista Ridge Family Dentistry in Cedar Park, Texas

As dentists, we focus on oral health, but good oral health helps you maintain good overall health, too! We’re proud to offer services like general dentistry, restorative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and more. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!

Categorised in: Blog, Gum Health, Oral Health, Overall Health

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