Diseases Connected to Your Dental Health

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 at 6:29 PM

DNA testing proves that a person has over 800 species of bacteria in the human mouth, and many of them can wreak havoc on a person’s health. Majority of the people are unaware that the condition of their teeth can affect the health of their entire bodies.More and more research studies are confirming what many physicians and dentists have long suspected: Poor oral health can lead to systemic health problems and diseases. The list of conditions linked to periodontitis (gum disease) reads like a who’s-who of disease, including systemic inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, chronic kidney disease, lung disease, cancer, osteoporosis, ulcers, arthritis, sleep apnea and snoring, and even serious pregnancy complications.

The majority of Americans have gum disease and don’t even know it if they aren’t receiving regular dental check-ups.It is a serious warning sign that things aren’t right elsewhere in the body, but it’s a sign most people don’t even know to look for.

Proper dental care can help patients cut their risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, cancer or having low birth-weight babies. It can also have a positive effect on patients with ulcers, sleep apnea and obesity. Many of the diseases linked to periodontitis are also diseases that require behavioral changes if people want to live the healthiest, most enjoyable lives possible. To make those changes, they must understand the risks they face by not taking action. Gum disease, tooth decay, bleeding gums and poor dental health aren’t just about the mouth anymore. These affect your whole body, your energy levels, how good you feel and how long you live.