Over the past decade, researchers discovered direct links between dental health and other health conditions, ranging from diabetes to heart disease. Modern dentists working at Blakeney dental office stay abreast of the connections between dental hygiene and overall health to help patients recognize and treat these underlying conditions. They treat periodontitis, which represents a major factor linked to disease.
These dentists in Shelby are well-versed in how periodontitis and diabetes create a vicius circle of inflammation that makes both conditions worse. Periodontitis occurs when oral bacteria produces inflammation the body’s immune system cannot handle. Gums begin to recede and teeth commonly loosen as infection invades the jawbone. Some patients seeking treatment for gum disease at Blakeney dental office might not process blood sugar correctly, which could lead to diabetes. When blood sugar levels rise, it acts as food for oral inflammation, making gum disease worse.
Dentists in Shelby also recognize the connection between dental health and heart disease. Health experts estimate up to 90 percent of heart patients also suffer from periodontitis and that gum disease might actually increase the risk of developing heart disease. They attribute the increased risk to the likelihood of blood vessels becoming inflamed when patients fail to care for their teeth and gums.
In addition to these health concerns, poor dental hygiene might also increase the odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, obesity, and osteoporosis, which occurs when bones become brittle and weak. Scientists believe gum disease not only affects the jawbone but also weakens bones in other areas of the body. The professionals at Blakeney dental office can treat oral health problems using a holistic approach to improve overall health and help patients prevent related diseases. The direct link between oral health and disease has been proven scientifically, making regular visits to Shelby dentists more important than ever.