Sadly overlooked by many, oral health is critical to overall well being. Taking proper care of your teeth helps ensure a long and healthy life in more ways than just having teeth to chew with. Numerous studies show a direct link between preventable conditions such as gingivitis and diabetes, even heart disease. By taking proper care of their teeth by working with a Dentist Reston residents are doing their part to stay as fit as possible.
While it’s true that the inside of a human mouth is teeming with bacteria, the vast majority of it is completely harmless, beneficial even. Taking the time to brush twice per day and floss daily helps keep these bacteria in proper levels. When preventative care begins to slip, the balance between good and bacteria shifts. The harmful bacteria wreck havoc on tooth enamel, causing weak spots and cavities. They also cause the soft tissue that holds the teeth in place, known as gums, to become inflamed. When the gum line is swollen and infected there is a greater chance for the teeth to become lose or fall out. Taking proper care of your teeth and gums involves a visit to the Dentist once every 6 months to help ensure no larger issues get out of hand.
There are several medical studies that tie the balance between good and bad mouth bacteria to a wide range of conditions. Gingivitis, or the inflammation of the gums due to an overabundance of the ‘bad’ bacteria in the mouth, can range from mild cases where the patient may be almost without any symptoms to a truly life threatening condition known as ANUG, or acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. Far beyond just conditions like periodontal disease, gingivitis is linked to potentially devastating conditions such as heart disease and premature birth if gingivitis is left untreated during pregnancy. Cardiology-based issues can be aggravated by the increase in bacteria in the bloodstream caused by poor oral health. There are even studies that show a link between early adulthood tooth loss and alzheimer’s. That tooth loss is often preventable and working with a professional Dentist Reston is home to can help keep these conditions at bay.
