It is often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Similarly, many dental professionals consider the mouth to be the window to the body. You may be surprised to learn that there is a direct connection between your physical and oral health! Experienced periodontist, Dr. Gayle Bradshaw, discusses this important connection between your overall and oral health in The Woodlands, TX. Understanding the link may encourage you to seek professional dental care more routinely!
Linking Physical and Oral Health
If you cut your finger and it becomes infected, it’s evident how dangerous this can be as bacteria can enter the bloodstream via an open wound. This is the same case when infection inside the mouth gets past the gums. Bacteria can travel through the mouth and into the bloodstream, too, causing the body to produce an inflammatory response. If you have gum disease, this inflammation is chronic and is dangerous for both your long-term physical and oral health. Disease in the mouth can cause or aggravate systemic conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Osteoporosis
Improving Your Oral Health
With such a strong link between your physical and oral health, it only makes sense to take good care of your mouth in addition to caring for your body. But you can do more than brushing and flossing twice a day. Eating a well-balanced diet is good for both your mouth and body. It’s also important to visit our periodontist regularly. A dental professional is trained to spot issues you might not see and to catch “invisible” symptoms before a condition causes damage or harms your physical health.
Concerned About Your Oral Health?
Your mouth can say a lot about your physical health. If you’re concerned about your oral health in The Woodlands, TX, schedule an appointment with our periodontist Dr. Bradshaw by calling (281) 419-4655.