OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Every time you visit the dentist your doctor probably nags you about brushing twice a day and flossing daily. While those habits, along with routine cleanings, are key elements to keep your teeth and gums healthy, it has been proven that how well you take care of your mouth could impact your overall health.

“Your mouth is the portal to the rest of your body,” said Dr. Pamela Li, an Ottawa tooth whitening provider. “In fact, some studies suggest there are more bacteria living in your mouth than there are people on the earth. Most of the bacteria are harmless, but if you neglect your oral health the harmful bacteria can quickly multiply and spread.”

Cavities and gum disease may contribute to serious conditions including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and premature and low weight babies. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which can also impact the bone supporting the teeth. Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed by daily brushing, it will harden into tartar and infect the gums and bone.

The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth and into the bloodstream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries and contributing to clot formation. Researchers have also found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease than those without periodontal disease. Additional studies have also shown a correlation between gum disease and stroke based on the number of teeth people have in their mouth.

“The exact relationship between gum disease and heart disease is not clear,” said Dr. Li, who offers dentures, teeth bleaching and dental bridge services at her clinic. “Periodontal disease can be a long-term chronic infection that can increase an overall inflammatory response in the body, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease. People with periodontal disease have an elevated C-reactive protein, which is a marker for cardiac disease.”

As we prepare for American Heart Health Month, which is celebrated for the entire month of February, it is important to understand how many people are affected by heart disease, said Dr. Li. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

People with diabetes are also more likely to develop periodontal disease than people without diabetes. In fact, gum disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Severe gum disease can increase blood sugar putting patients at more risk for diabetic complications.

Do not underestimate the importance of visiting the dentist and your general doctor regularly, the cosmetic sedation dentist said. Catching gum disease early is ideal as you can see, since diagnosing it too late can have a devastating impact on your health.

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