Your oral health and overall well-being may have more in common than you realize, and small daily habits can make a major difference. Here’s what to know about the surprising link between dental health and long-term wellness, and why taking care of your teeth and gums is really about taking care of your whole body.
Visit Adam Cottrill, DMD, at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, to learn more and optimize your oral health and long-term well-being.
Your oral health is linked to your overall health in several ways, including your risk of:
Diabetes and gum disease are linked, though a causal relationship isn’t fully clear. People with gum disease have a higher risk of developing diabetes, and individuals with diabetes are three times more likely to have gum disease. If you develop diabetes, controlling your blood sugar and adopting healthy habits may reduce your risk of gum disease and other complications.
Gum disease may also boost the risk of developing heart problems. Examples include heart disease, heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and atrial fibrillation, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, properly caring for teeth and gums could even make you live longer.
Surprisingly, studies have even linked gum disease to Alzheimer’s disease, though more research is needed to establish a causal relationship. Researchers found that markers of cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease were more prevalent in people with gum disease.
Numerous other chronic conditions may be linked to poor oral health, particularly gum disease. Examples include:
Our mouths are a gateway to the rest of our bodies, as harmful bacteria from the mouth may enter the bloodstream.
However, research is ongoing to learn exactly how oral health issues are linked to chronic diseases, other health concerns, and life expectancy.
An excellent way to minimize your risk of poor oral health, or get treated if you have gum disease, is to see our Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry team for routine dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months (more often when necessary).
See Dr. Cottrill at the first sign of tooth discomfort or gum disease, including bright red gums, bleeding gums, swelling, bad breath, or a receding gumline.
We offer gum disease treatment and cosmetic dentistry options, such as full-mouth reconstruction, dental implants, veneers, dentures, and crowns, as well as Invisalign® and clear braces.
It’s helpful to brush your teeth after meals, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash if Dr. Cottrill recommends it to optimize oral hygiene at home.
Schedule a dental evaluation at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry to minimize your risk of gum disease, cavities, and other oral health concerns — as well as chronic diseases linked to poor oral health. Call our office today or request an appointment online.
