How Your Oral Health Affects Your Body

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organsDid you know that your oral health might affect, contribute to, or be affected by the rest of your body? Research has linked your oral health to your overall health in many different studies. Periodontitis–the severest form of gum disease–has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. In today’s blog, your North Richland Hills dentist, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler explains the oral-systemic connection, or how your oral health affects your body.

Your Oral Health

Not only can your mouth offer clues to your overall health, but it can affect your health as well. Your mouth is filled with bacteria–good and bad. Proper oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings help keep the bad oral bacteria under control. If you fail to take proper care of your oral health, the bacteria can cause a host of problems beginning with gum disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease may play a role in other systemic diseases. Also, certain diseases including HIV/AIDS and diabetes may lower the body’s immunity, making it more difficult to fight off oral health infections.

Systemic Health

Research indicates that oral health may contribute to or exacerbate certain conditions, some of which include:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Premature births
  • Endocarditis
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Osteoporosis
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Eating disorders

Proper Oral Hygiene

You can protect your oral health and as a result your overall health simply by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and attend regular dental checkups.

About your North Richland Hills Dentist

Whether you want to restore the beauty and function of missing or compromised teeth or you’re simply looking for a dentist’s office to call home, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team are here for you. We focus on exceptional dentistry for adults, with a keen focus on highly esthetic restorations and the treatment of painful TMJ disorder. To schedule your next appointment, call our North Richland Hills dentist office at 817-918-3038. North Hills Dental proudly serves patients from across the Metroplex, including Fort Worth, Dallas, Denton, the Midcities, and Southlake.