Can Getting My Teeth Cleaned Improve My Heart Health?
By Fred Rudman, Brett Weedon | Published on January 4, 2012 | 0 Comments
Oral health speaks volumes about physical wellness. Researchers now know that the link between gum disease and serious medical issues like heart disease and diabetes is very real. That’s why Dr. Fred Rudman and Dr. Brett Weedon of Rudman, Kane, Weedon & Associates say it is so important for patients to visit their dentists regularly for semi-annual cleanings and exams.
A number of oral conditions, such as cavities, decay, gum disease, and periodontitis, have been associated with serious lifelong medical problems. Although a cause-and-effect relationship between many of these oral health and physical health conditions has not yet been established, there is little doubt that people with certain oral problems are putting themselves at an increased risk of systemic issues and infections.
Dr. Rudman and Dr. Weedon explain that there is a definite link between a large amount of bacteria in the mouth and a number of medical conditions that adults commonly suffer from. Any infection that starts in the mouth can go into other areas of the body, which can create a serious – and dangerous – systemic infection. It is always easier to stop an infection when it’s isolated in the mouth, rather than waiting until it has spread throughout the body.
Although there is no sure-fire way to prevent getting heart disease or diabetes, there are some things that people can do when they visit the cosmetic dentist in Middletown, MD to decrease their risk. Anyone who takes good care of his teeth and gets regular professional cleanings from a cosmetic dentist in Middletown, MD, is already a step ahead of the game. By preventing the earliest symptoms of gum disease and periodontitis, men and women can significantly cut down on their chances of suffering from heart disease.
In some cases, the first symptoms that a person with diabetes may have are in the mouth. Symptoms like bleeding gums, cavities, decay, and dry mouth have all been connected to diabetes. Since diabetes cuts down on the number of white blood cells, it effectively debilitates the body’s first line of defense against infection. This makes it especially easy for bacteria to wreak havoc in the mouth, leading to gum disease and periodontal disease.
Thankfully, most oral conditions are preventable with diligent home care and routine in-office check-ups. Rather than waiting until you’re in pain before visiting the cosmetic dentist in Middletown, MD, Dr. Rudman and Dr. Weedon recommend coming in early and often.
Phone: 301-293-6828
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.