91% of patients with heart disease also have periodontitis (gum disease). Gum disease and heart disease have many of the same risk factors, including smoking, obesity, and an unhealthy diet. Researchers also believe that inflammation in the mouth may increase inflammation in the blood vessels, which puts you at a higher risk for a heart attack or stroke. Contribute to a Healthy Pregnancy Gum disease in mothers has been linked to premature birth and low birthweight babies. The link is not as strong as the one between gum disease and other diseases, but it still could be a potential risk. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can put pregnant women at an increased risk for gum disease. Did you know about half of pregnant women experience it? If you’re pregnant, seeing your dentist and maintaining good oral health is an important step in preparing for a safe, healthy pregnancy. pregnancy-gingivitis.jpeg The Bottom Line? Your mouth and body are connected. Disease and inflammation in one can affect the other. We still need to see more research to determine exactly how strong the links are between oral health and other diseases, and poor oral health may also trigger other conditions we’re not aware of yet dental vibrator. One thing is clear, though: Good oral health is good for your whole body. What to Do So, now that you know some of the risks of bad oral health, what should you do to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay healthy? Let’s start at the beginning: If it’s been a while, visit your dentist. He or she can tell you how healthy your mouth really is, identify any problems, and talk you through the steps for fixing them. If you’d like to make an appointment with me, click here. Don’t wait dental curing light. If you have cavities, gum disease, or other issues (or you think you might), get them taken care of quickly. All these conditions can worsen over time, so it’s important to take action early. Brush and floss properly. I recommend brushing twice and flossing once each day. It’s one of the easiest ways to maintain your health portable dental unit. Get regular professional cleanings. A thorough dental cleaning every six months gets rid off the plaque and tartar you can’t remove at home. It also helps us diagnose more serious problems early. Quit smoking. I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but smoking is as detrimental to your oral health as it is to your overall health. Quitting isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.