Proper oral hygiene does not only prevent cavities; proper oral hygiene can benefit your overall systemic health.
Research shows that oral health is closely related to the systemic health. For example, periodontitis affects other vital organs in the body and contributes to diseases, like the cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breathing problems, osteoporosis, arthritis, etc. From a research conducted by University of North Caroline, researchers show that patients with periodontitis are more likely to die from heart attack than those patients without periodontitis. Also, the patients with periodontitis would be more likely to die from stroke than those patients without periodontitis.
Periodontitis is one of the most common infection in the world. Our mouth is a entry way for bacteria. Bacteria in the mouth can cause infection to the gum. They can also travel through the blood stream and infect other vital organs, such as the heart, in the body.
Periodontitis can affect the diabetes status. With proper treatment of periodontitis, it can help decrease the diabetic index.
For good overall heatlh, oral hygiene plays a vital role.
Written by Daniel Tee, DDS, MS
Practicing General Dentist Serving the city of Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa in Arizona.
