Health Conditions Linked to Your Mouth

Your mouth is not isolated from the rest of your body. While you know that the food and drinks you consume will travel elsewhere in your body, there are other oral components that can impact other components of your health.

Oral bacteria is diverse – some is healthy and important to oral functions, and some is dangerous and can cause infection. If this bacteria travels elsewhere in the body, it can end up contributing to larger problems for those with heart disease. This is why you should always let your dentist know about a heart condition before a dental procedure.

And that’s not the only example of the mouth-body connection. There are also diseases that show up in the mouth first – making your dentist the first defense against new health problems. If you haven’t scheduled a dental exam for some time, getting an appointment on the books could help you keep not just your teeth and gums, but your entire body healthy.

Check out our infographic about the way your teeth and gums impact your body (and vice versa) below – and keep reading for more tips on staying healthy at home.

Health Problems Connected to the Mouth

Coordinating Heart Conditions with Your Dentist

Research is still being performed as to exactly how and why periodontal disease impacts other health conditions. But there are two areas in which clear links have been established. Both cardiovascular disease and diabetes are impacted by oral health. If you have a history of either, be sure to communicate that to your dentist.

If you have an upcoming dental procedure and have a heart condition, it’s important that you let your dentist know your history. Also provide a list of your current medications. This is necessary for patients who have any of the following –

• Artificial valves
• History of endocarditis
• Congenital heart defect
• Damaged heart valves (scarred by conditions like rheumatic fever)

Have questions, or ready to schedule your next exam? Reach out today.