Cosmetic Dentistry Denver
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
Oral Health and Physical Health
Have you ever heard the expression “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” before? The saying comes from the age-old practice of looking at a horse’s teeth and gums as an indicator of the animal’s overall health. Even before modern medicine, people knew that oral health is closely linked to physical wellness.
There are two basic ways that oral health and physical health are linked. The first is that diseases and dysfunctions of the mouth can lead to other symptoms and conditions throughout the body. Secondly, the mouth is also an indicator of overall health because several serious conditions can lead to oral diseases and symptoms.
Oral health affects overall physical well-being in that certain diseases and conditions of the mouth have adverse effects on the rest of the body. For example, disease-causing bacteria in the gums can spread to other parts of the body if they enter the bloodstream via the typical lesions and cuts associated with gum disease. The mouth is home to many types of bacteria, many of them harmless. The problem is that gum disease allows the more dangerous species of bacteria to spread through the bloodstream.
Gum disease has been linked to serious medical conditions as well. Studies indicate that good gum health can lower your risk of developing diabetes. Researchers have also found that certain heart conditions, such as coronary artery blockage, are present twice as often in patients with periodontal (gum) disease. Patients with missing teeth are also more prone to heart disease.
Gum disease is a painful, potentially dangerous, but completely curable and preventable condition. For help in preventing and fixing periodontal disease, meet with a dentist that understands the need for comprehensive oral health care.
The second way oral health is linked with overall health is that dangerous conditions can show up in the mouth first, or can lead to serious degradation of teeth and gums . For example, oral health is seen as useful indicator of the health of your immune system . In fact, HIV-AIDS patients are at highly elevated risk for oral diseases and infections that are far less common in people without the disease . In addition, certain cancers can be caught early if your dentist sees the signs of precancerous lesions or markings inside your mouth.
Clearly, oral health is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy body . Another reason to maintain healthy teeth and gums is that the mouth is an important part of visual appearance . Even for a very healthy person, unsightly teeth and other dental/periodontal problems can damage self-esteem and lead to other negative psychological effects. Therefore, it is important for everyone to see a dentist that has extensive experience in both general and cosmetic dentistry.
About the Author
For more information about oral health or cosmetic dentistry in the Denver/Lakewood area, please visit the website of Denver cosmetic and general dentist, Scott Greenhalgh, DDS and schedule a consultation.
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