How Your Oral Health Can Impact Your Overall Health

Dentistry and general health are usually treated as separate issues, but the two are connected in many ways. But did you know that oral health problems like gum disease can also increase the risk of complications to your overall health and physical well-being?

At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, our dentist Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our dental team offer a range of preventive and cosmetic dentistry services at our state-of-the-art practice in Beverly Hills, California.

How your oral health impacts your overall health and well-being

The bacteria that causes gum inflammation can do more than just lead to gum (periodontal) disease. While the bacteria that live in your mouth is generally harmless, over time it can build up and turn into plaque and tartar. In addition to causing cavities and gum disease, studies have found links between the bacteria that cause gum inflammation and complications from general health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

People with HIV/AIDS and compromised immune health are also more vulnerable to infection, and poor immune function makes it harder to recover from infections. Poor oral health can also affect pregnancy and increase the risk of complications such as low birth weight and premature birth. 

If you smoke or use tobacco products, you have a much higher risk of developing gum disease, as well as other health complications. Smoking can also make treating oral health problems more difficult and less effective, so if you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your oral and general health!

What you can do to protect your oral (and general) health

Like the rest of your health, prevention lowers your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition to brushing your teeth after meals and flossing once a day, be sure to schedule an appointment for a check-up and dental cleaning every six months. 

If you have underlying health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or a compromised immune system, monitoring your oral health is especially important. If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants are a good option to fix your smile and improve your oral and general health.

If you’ve neglected your oral health in the past, it’s never too late to get proactive and start caring for your teeth and gums. Remember: a healthy body begins with a healthy mouth!

For more information about the link between your general and oral health and what you can do to reduce your risk of common oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease, contact the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment at our Beverly Hills office. You can also book an appointment online.