The Systemic Link

Dr.Singh:

The systemic link is the connection between your oral health and your overall bodily health. Your good or bad oral health can be connected to your increased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more. If you don’t take care of your oral health, you’re essentially damaging and overlooking your general health as well. They both go hand in hand, if you keep a healthy mouth, you’ll have a healthier body.

Dr.Singh:

Periodontal Disease (gum disease) is the systemic link between your oral health and overall health. Research has shown that the inflammation from gum disease affects the blood vessels, contributing to atherosclerosis. If oral bacteria travel through your blood stream, it can cause inflammation in other parts of your body, like the lining of your heart, or narrow your arteries, increasing the risk of blood clots. The bacteria essentially stick to fatty plaques, contributing to artery blockages. Letting something like gum disease progress over time will in turn eventually degrade your overall health, and you will likely encounter health problems at some point if you are not maintaining your oral health through meticulous home care and professional cleanings.

Dr.Singh:

If you already have existing health conditions and you are not maintaining your oral health, it could make your current health issues much worse and sometimes lead to further complications. If you are a patient with current medical conditions, improving your oral health can potentially help improve your overall bodily health by eliminating or reducing one source (oral) of bacteria.

Dr.Singh:

1. Red, swollen gums that bleed easily with brushing and flossing;
2. Receding gums that pull away from the teeth;
3. Changes in your bite;
4. Teeth that are becoming loose or separated;
5. Chronic bad breath; or
6. Changes in the way partial dentures fit.