Fact: bacterial conditions in the mouth can adversely affect the entire body.
New information about this “oral-systemic link” is changing the way dentists, dental hygienist, doctors and patients view oral health. We know now that oral infections have a role in heart disease and stroke, diabetes, respiratory illness and pregnancy outcomes.
Physicians and dental providers are aware that even mild oral infections can trigger adverse changes in other areas of the body. For example, oral bacteria with a certain genetic structure will invade the blood vessels to the heart and form clogging plaques. “Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis should be informed that there may be an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with periodontitis.” The American Journal of Cardiology (July 2009). This is a very important discovery.
Clearly the mouth is the “gateway” to the rest of the body. This means that anyone with an oral infection – e.g. bleeding gums, halitosis, gum disease etc – is at a much higher risk for more serious problems involving the entire body. Therefore the best way to stay healthy is to control and eliminate oral infection by regular dental hygiene appointment and proper home care.