How does oral health affect heart health?
One of the most common questions we get in our office is how oral health and heart health are connected. There is an oral systemic link, meaning many things can affect the body originating from the oral cavity. The mouth is unique because it provides a connection to the outside world for something within the body. Your teeth come through your gums, allowing bacteria the opportunity to break in. There is a correlation between the bacteria in the mouth under the gums and the bacteria found in the plaques of heart arteries. With oral treatments, many patients live longer, emphasizing the importance of keeping your mouth healthy to support overall health. While medical treatments are crucial, maintaining oral health contributes significantly to overall well-being.
Can oral health impact diabetes management?
Another common question we receive is about the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes, typically type 2 but also type 1. Many of our patients have diabetes, and they wonder if oral treatments can help manage the condition. There is evidence suggesting that periodontal treatments reducing oral bacteria can impact A1C values, which reflect diabetes management. Regular non-surgical treatments like deep cleanings or periodontal maintenance visits, along with proper oral hygiene at home, are important. Conversely, successful dental treatments often require appropriate diabetes management. It's vital to maintain control of A1C and other lab values through regular medical checkups. Although the impact may not be very strong, the medical aspect is more significant than the dental one, yet there is still some influence.
Why is dental care important during pregnancy?
When a mother is expecting, hormonal changes occur, making her more susceptible to certain diseases, including periodontal disease. An old wives' tale suggests losing a tooth during each pregnancy, which is often due to unaddressed gum issues caused by hormonal changes. Periodontal disease has a direct link to low birth weight in babies, emphasizing the importance of dental checkups for non-invasive treatments during pregnancy. It's surprising that this isn't widely acknowledged in some medical fields. Untreated periodontal disease and dental issues can cause significant problems. While it's challenging to cover all aspects, such as trimester-specific treatments, avoiding invasive procedures in the first and third trimesters if possible is recommended.