Healthy Gums for Total Body Health
Since the mouth is so often an indicator of what is happening to the rest of the body, it is important to check out anything in the mouth that is not normal. Your physician and your dentist want to work together to keep you fit and healthy. A medical examination is more than taking your temperature and blood pressure, and a dental checkup is much more than a twice-a-year glance for cavities.
Recent research reveals that gum disease is linked to increased risk for major overall health problems, including but not limited to stroke, heart disease, respiratory problems, osteoporosis, diabetes complications, low birth weight, and most recently, dementia. Because of these findings, research continues. We may learn much more in the next few years.
It makes perfect sense, though – gum disease linked to overall health problems. Everything that enters or is present in the mouth has access to the whole body. The mouth is like a portal to the body. That's why regular checkups and hygiene visits are vital to not only oral health, but also overall health.