Oral health as a mirror to general health
A saying in dentistry is, “The mouth is the mirror to the body.” Our dentists and orthodontic team at Precision Dental Clinic in Dubai, UAE, believe that it is critical for patients to understand that their oral health can impact their overall health. This is due to the oral-systemic health connection and is a focus of many dental professionals. Let’s take a look at how your oral health impacts the rest of your body and what you can do to keep your smile healthy!
What conditions can impact the health of the smile?
Problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay can negatively impact oral health and wellness, causing problems from the mouth onward. This is because periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can cause an infection. This condition is a bacterial infection that affects your gums and the structures supporting the teeth. Its final outcome is often the loss of irreplaceable tooth support, such as gums and alveolar bone. When gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, goes untreated over time, it can eventually lead to periodontitis. This is a severe condition that destroys the supporting bone and can result in tooth loss.
How is periodontal disease linked to the health of the body?
Research studies continue to show a connection between gum infections and systemic diseases like heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. If you are affected by gum disease as well, your risk of developing these types of diseases increases by up to six times. This oral-systemic connection needs to be considered when talking to providers about the possible development of other medical conditions.
How does the oral-systemic connection work?
Every infection, including gum infection, triggers the body’s immune system to counterattack with cells and chemicals. These chemicals mainly comprise proteins. When these proteins stay in the bloodstream for extended periods, they thicken the blood, leading to poor circulation. This cycle is the culprit for many systemic health problems, essentially causing the infection in the mouth to be carried to the rest of the body.
What can be done about the development of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition that cannot be cured, only controlled. This is why it is critical to avoid its development in the first place. Our dentists at Precision Dental Clinic encourage patients to be proactive about their oral health by brushing and flossing their teeth and visiting the dental office for routine cleanings and check-ups.
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What can I do about my oral health and my general health?
Understanding the irrefutable link between oral health and overall well-being starts with an appointment with a periodontist and experienced dental team “near me” in the Dubai, UAE, area. We invite you to call our office at 04 - 2756731 and visit the office at 2301 Aspin Commercial Tower, near Shangri La Hotel at 106 Sheikh Zayed Road.
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