Illness and Oral Health Care

Many Americans have some form of auto-immune system condition. For instance, around 9% of our population currently has diabetes, and that number is growing. There are also ties to other areas of your health, and we are discovering more each day.

There are multiple links between your mouth and your heart health, specifically. This can lead to serious conditions like heart disease, so it is important to keep a steady conversation open with your oral health care professional. Today, your Gary, IN dentist discusses just some of the many links between your smile and your overall health. Let’s dig in!

Your Mouth Can Show Symptoms

Your dental health is a great indicator of your condition, and certain symptoms can often be used to identify problems outside of this area. Much of this comes as a result of showing you physical signs within your mouth. If you have already received a diagnosis, this may serve to help in your maintenance of a condition, or may be a sign of progression.

Diabetes is a prime example of this, as during times of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), the body releases sugars through its output of fluids. This can occur through ketosis, where high levels of urine are concentrated and expelled. But not only is the urine an avenue for this behavior, the mouth is also susceptible.

The body can push out sugars even through your saliva, leaving an otherwise healthy mouth filled with carbohydrates! Bacteria feed upon your own material, so unlike even with drinking soda or eating candy, you will continue to produce it. Around 20% of all tooth loss is a result of complications from this disease, so if you are diabetic, be sure to strictly control your levels.

Or It Can Cause Harm

Another area of concern for people can be the possibility of organ damage due to a lack of oral hygiene. The primary area of research has been the connection to the heart, which obviously, can be fatal. Recently, scientists have found that the bacteria that causes plaque on our enamel can also cause serious harm to your heart. Not only can this lead to heart disease and buildup of the heart, but this bacteria also seems to play a part in the development of Alzheimer’s disease!

If you currently have a diagnosis, be sure to explain this to your dentist so that any possible complications can be mitigated before they do harm. Also, this may allow them to be more aware of possible issues, so they can spot them at the earlist possible time!

ABOUT YOUR GARY, IN, DENTIST:

As a native of northwest Indiana, Nicholas Cain, DDS, is dedicated to providing excellent general, preventive, and family dentistry services to the community that raised him, welcoming patients from Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding areas. To schedule your appointment, call Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, today at 219-938-2637. You can also email our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com.