Mouth Body Connection Many people are unaware that our oral health can affect our overall health. It is important to keep a good oral hygiene routine at home in order to continue the overall health of your body. Due to blood being so close to the surface in the supportive gum tissue when a bacterial infection occurs, it can easily be transmitted to the rest of the body. If you have an oral condition you are concerned about, please contact us at Mission Hills Periodontics for a professional exam where we can openly discuss any necessary treatment options. Oral Cancer ConcernIt is important to screen for oral cancer for early detection to increase the effectiveness of the treatment plan. If the cancer is not treated as soon as possible, it can move through the jawbone to the lymph nodes which are just beneath the jaw. If this happens and cancer spreads to what is known as the lymphatic system then it can spread to the rest of the body and can overly complicate the treatment procedures. Once it has spread to the remainder of the body, the treatment could involve Chemotherapy and get very expensive. Other ConcernsWhen periodontal disease progresses, it can cause many issues. When tooth loss occurs due to the bacteria build up in the mouth, the remaining teeth will always attempt to shift into the open space. If this space is not filled with a dental appliance to hold the teeth in their natural position a number of things can occur. When teeth shift, this changes the tooth alignment and alters the chewing motion. This can lead to excessive wear of the teeth because they are no longer making contact the way they should. With a change in chewing motion, the TMJ can be affected leading to a number of complications including jaw pain and difficulty speaking. It is important to keep the teeth in place whether by dentures or implants because, without proper pressure on the jaw through natural chewing motion, the jawbones will begin to deteriorate. If this occurs it can lead to infection throughout the gum, teeth, as well as bone where the infection can spread throughout the body. These complications can include potentially harmful diseases. Though hard to believe, gum disease has been linked to different kinds of arthritis. Diabetes has also been linked to gum disease as well. Perhaps the most severe complication of untreated periodontal disease is a slew of respiratory diseases including heart disease. It is important to remember the mouth is the perfect entry point for dangerous bacteria to enter the body. Once there, they can easily spread throughout the body by way of the bloodstream. Preventative MeasuresAs with the body, proper preventative care can make all the difference in the world. While diet and exercise keep the body in shape, proper dental care can keep the body in tip-top shape too. This is done by brushing and flossing throughout the day to keep the mouth clean. Patients also need to have regular checkups and cleanings by our office staff. Contact us here Mission Hills Periodontics. Feel free to call us too at (619) 356-5989. |
