Can a Healthy Mouth Contribute a Healthy Body?

CAN A HEALTHY MOUTH CONTRIBUTE A HEALTHY BODY?

Everyone knows how important it is to have a healthy body. Healthy bodies have healthy immune systems. Healthy immune systems help protect a person from illness and disease. However, many people may not realize that having a healthy mouth can actually help maintain a healthy body and help prevent disease.

How Can a Healthy Mouth Contribute to a Healthy Body?

When a person neglects their oral health it can have significant effects on their overall health. Studies have shown that having poor oral health can lead to poor overall health. The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. When disease or infection is found in the mouth it does not stay confined to that area.

Infection anywhere in the body is unhealthy. Just as a person wouldn’t let an infection in their arm or leg go untreated, an infection in their mouth shouldn’t remain untreated either.

What is Infection in the Mouth?

There are several ways infection can manifest itself in a person’s mouth. Infection can be caused by a bad tooth or it can be caused by gum disease. Teeth that are broken or decayed and left untreated can eventually become infected and develop an abscess. If the tooth does not receive proper treatment that infection can spread through the bloodstream to the rest of the body.

The same can happen if a person’s gums become infected. Infection in the gums is called gum disease or periodontal disease. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is less severe than periodontal disease and can be treated and reversed. However, if left untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a severe infection of the gums that can lead to bone loss, tooth loss, and overall health issues.

What Health Problems Can Periodontal Disease Contribute Too?

Periodontal disease can be a contributor to many diseases. Some of these diseases include:

Diabetes 

When periodontal disease is left untreated it can cause a person’s blood sugar to rise and make it harder for them to control diabetes.

Heart Disease

Many experts have shown a direct connection between gum disease and heart disease. When a person suffers from periodontal disease they may be in danger of plaque buildup and swelling in their arteries. This increases a person’s chances of developing heart disease. 

Cancer

Research has shown that people who suffer from periodontal disease may increase their chances of developing cancer by 24%. Periodontal disease can also increase the likelihood of death for those suffering from pancreatic or lung cancer. Having a periodontal disease can also affect the recovery of a person suffering from cancer. 

No one wants to suffer from an unhealthy body. No one wants to suffer from illness or disease. Making sure your mouth is healthy may not ensure perfect overall health, but it can help. At Paris Family Dental we work with all our patients to help them maintain healthy mouths and bodies. 

We know the importance of treating oral disease and work with our patients to help them achieve strong and healthy teeth and gums. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the importance of a healthy mouth contact our Paris Texas office today for an appointment. 

For all of your family, cosmetic, or restorative dental needs, we invite you to contact Paris Family Dental. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (903) 732-0061! Visit us at 2333 Lamar Ave, Paris, TX 75460 to learn more about our team, our practice, and how we provide excellence in dentistry in our area.