Did you know that oral health can impact many aspects of your overall well-being? Poor oral health has been linked to many medical conditions, including heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. If it has been a while since you have been to a dentist and are currently seeking a dentist accepting new patients in the Chula Vista, California area, you need to look no further than the team at Sam J. Halabo, DMD. Dr. Halabo is a practicing family dentist who would love to treat your entire family.
The reality is that many people don’t realize how important good oral health is to our general health. The mouth is the entrance to our body, and if harmful bacteria are not controlled, they can spread to other parts of the body and put us at risk for various medical diseases and conditions. Poor dental hygiene and oral health can have several negative effects on our bodies, some of which are mentioned below.
INCREASED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND STROKE
If you develop gum disease and allow it to progress unchecked from its earliest stages (called gingivitis) to its more advanced stages (called periodontitis), you will be at a higher risk of heart disease. In fact, you will be twice as likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and to have arteries that become increasingly narrow. Plaque and bacteria in your mouth can enter your body through your gums, potentially causing serious health problems. Harmful oral bacteria can clog your arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack. In addition, blood vessels that supply your brain can become blocked, leading to an increased risk of stroke. Maintaining good oral health to prevent these potential health issues is crucial.
RISK OF DEMENTIA
If you have poor oral hygiene, you already know it can lead to serious dental health complications, including tooth loss. However, did you know you may also have a higher risk of memory loss and dementia? Oral bacteria contain inflammatory substances and, when allowed to travel to the brain, can actually result in parts of your brain dying.
RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
When you live with untreated periodontal disease, the bacteria causing this disease will find their way into your bloodstream and travel throughout your body, wreaking havoc where they can. Harmful bacteria can cause significant damage to your body, especially in your lungs. When these bacteria enter your lungs, they can negatively affect your respiratory system and increase your risk of developing health conditions such as acute bronchitis and pneumonia, according to studies published in the Journal of Periodontology.
It is important to address your oral health promptly and not waste any time, especially given the serious consequences that can result from neglect. Part of this task is finding a dentist near you who you can visit for an oral examination. Getting an oral exam allows a dentist to detect any existing oral health conditions and develop a treatment plan to restore oral health. Second, you must ensure you practice good oral hygiene at home. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouthwash. If you do these things, you will improve not only your oral health but your overall well-being as well.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Halabo, please call (619) 427-0810.