Diseases Linked to Dental Health Modesto, CA
Complete health has revolutionized the way dentists and physicians care for their patients, addressing the link between oral and systemic health. The mouth is the leading entryway for bacteria to make their way through the body systems' various tracts. Complete health dentists view their patients as not just a mouth but a whole body, working to achieve overall wellness.
Many oral and systemic diseases coincide and simultaneously affect one another. Understanding the oral-systemic link and preventative treatments can greatly enhance your health and well-being. Complete health dentistry is available at Great Smiles Dental in Modesto and the surrounding area. Our staff can help you better understand the oral-systemic health connection. Call us at (209) 222-3636 to schedule a consultation appointment today.
Causal Factors of Various Mouth Conditions
Unhealthy habits are at the heart of several oral health conditions. Excessive alcohol consumption, inadequate dental hygiene, poor nutrition, and smoking are just a few of the leading culprits of mouth conditions. Genetics can also contribute — these may be hereditary or attributed to prenatal behaviors.
In most cases, the best line of defense against such factors is a healthy lifestyle. Patients who drink or smoke should cut back as much as possible. However, other causal factors, such as genetics, may be harder to control. As such, it is critical that patients make regular dental visits at least once or twice a year.
A proper oral hygiene routine and overall healthful lifestyle can also help prevent all patients from worsening their conditions. According to Healthline, everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day. Use a fluoridated toothpaste and floss nightly. Make sure to drink enough water and limit sugary and acidic foods.
“A proper oral hygiene routine and overall healthful lifestyle can also help prevent all patients from worsening their conditions.”
Heart Health & Oral Health
As stated by Mayo Clinic, periodontal disease increases a patient‘s risk of developing a heart condition. More specifically, clogged arteries, heart disease, and stroke are likely to be associated with any inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria. This is especially true of patients with artificial heart valves.
Inflammation associated with oral bacteria may also cause endocarditis, an infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves. Usually, this occurs due to bacteria or other germs spreading from other parts of the body. As the mouth acts as a natural entry point for bacteria, the oral-systemic link here should come as no surprise.
“As stated by Mayo Clinic, periodontal disease increases a patient‘s risk of developing a heart condition.”
Gut Health, Immunodeficiencies, & Oral Health
Though research on oral microbiomes is still expanding, existing literature makes it clear that it can cause both oral and systemic conditions. When the oral microbiome‘s equilibrium is disturbed, disease-causing pathogens may manifest. These pathogens may make their way throughout the rest of the body in return.
This poses an especially big risk for those with immunodeficiencies or conditions that weaken the body‘s immune system. There are over 300 types of immunodeficiencies, many of which are associated with malnutrition and poor oral hygiene. According to one study, bacterial plaque-related periodontal diseases also seem to be especially sensitive to the innate system‘s primary deficiencies.
“There are over 300 types of immunodeficiencies, many of which are associated with malnutrition and poor oral hygiene.”
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Effects During Pregnancy
Premature Birth
As bacteria enter the body through the oral cavity, various tracts lead to the womb and affect the fetus. According to the Matern Child Health Journal, "Untreated dental disease can lead to infection and inflammation, which have been implicated as significant contributors to preterm birth." In essence, the fetus does attain an inflammatory response to maternal oral infection.
Low Birth Weight
Women who have periodontal disease have also been linked to higher rates of premature birth and low birth weight. Good oral hygiene and care before and during pregnancy have shown a significantly lower number of low birth weight babies. In an article on preventative medicine, researchers found that pregnant women who brushed their teeth thoroughly thirteen or more times a week had normal birth weight outcomes and preterm birth (37 completed weeks of gestation).
“Good oral hygiene and care before and during pregnancy have shown a significantly lower number of low birth weight babies.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What causes oral health conditions?
Q. What is the link between heart disease and oral health?
Q. Why is the oral microbiome important to systemic health?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the signs of gum disease?
Treatments for Those Suffering
Prevention
A basic understanding of the oral-systemic connection is integral in addressing health conditions and their effects on the body. A well-balanced, healthy lifestyle consists of a diet low in sugar and high in fruits and vegetables, cutting out all forms of tobacco, reducing alcohol intake, and brushing teeth twice daily with an optimal amount of fluoride (1000 to 1500 ppm). Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that protects the tooth's enamel and is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Treatments
Minor treatments, such as cavities and caries, require minimally-invasive treatments that remove the infection or decay and are covered with a filling, crown, or sealant. More invasive procedures, such as flap surgery, bone grafting, extractions, and implants, are performed for gum disease, oral cancers, flap disease, or other severe conditions. The earlier a condition is diagnosed, the more effective and successful the treatment is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diseases Linked to Dental Health
Q. Why is patient education important?
A. We believe that doctor-patient relationships should be collaborative, meaning the patient takes an active part in their own care. Many patients do not have a basic understanding of their conditions and how they affect them, leaving them to feel alone and helpless. Patient education can empower them to make informed decisions about their choices.
Q. Is there a link between chronic inflammation and periodontal disease?
A. Yes. Chronic gum inflammation is one of the top causes of periodontal diseases. When periodontal disease occurs, it creates pockets between the gums and teeth and fills them with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. If left untreated, these pockets become deeper over time, leading the inflammation to spread to other parts of the body.
Q. How does smoking factor into the oral-systemic connection?
A. Tobacco products affect the oral cavity just as they affect all other systems of the body. It allows numerous chemicals to enter the body and also allows bacteria to flow through several other bodily systems. Additionally, it limits saliva flow, which causes bacteria to stick to the teeth and gums. This may lead to plaque and infections.
Q. How does a general dentist check for signs of systemic disease?
A. Many systemic diseases can cause tooth decay and tooth loss. Many are also linked to periodontal disease, which is associated with harmful bacteria linked to various conditions. We can also conduct oral cancer screenings to catch the disease in its early stages.
Q. What is the healthy mouth baseline and what is its role in complete health dentistry?
A. The healthy mouth baseline is what the mouth should look like when it is in ideal health. We will go over this baseline with you during your initial consultation and compare and contrast it to your own mouth. Then, our team will devise a treatment plan custom-made to your unique needs.
Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
If you are interested in better understanding complete health dentistry, call us at 209-222-3636 to set up an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
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