While maintaining good oral health is a great way to take care of the teeth and gums, there are many other reasons why it is good for the body as a whole. Recent scientific evidence continues to show that good oral health has a benefit to one’s overall health due to the oral-systemic connection.

What is the oral-systemic connection?

Drs. Evans and Allen of La Mesa, California, describe the oral-systemic connection as the link between a healthy smile and a healthy body. Having a healthy smile involves screening for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or “gum disease,” is a bacterial infection that causes loss of soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. These bacteria can also enter your blood stream and spread throughout your body. These bacteria have been linked to the following medical problems.

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Strokes
  • Diabetes
  • Adverse pregnancy outcomes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Periodontitis and the above conditions are often associated with inflammatory responses in the body. This systemic inflammation can play a huge role in impacting the rest of the body. In fact, the same strains of bacteria that are found in the gums in patients with periodontal disease also appears in the arterial plaques of patients who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. This is the oral-systemic link that affects both oral health and overall health in a patient with periodontal disease.

How can you protect my smile from periodontal disease?

There are several ways patients can prevent this condition from developing in the first place. Patients are advised to:

  • Brush after every meal and snack
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Visit the dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and evaluation
  • Call the dentist for an appointment when anything concerning develops between recall visits

Call the team of Summit Dental of La Mesa today!

La Mesa, California, area patients who are interested in learning more about the oral-systemic connection are encouraged to book a consultation appointment with Drs. Evans and Allen today. The office is located at 8530 La Mesa Blvd, Ste. #204, and can be reached at (619) 494-2492.