The Chicken or the Egg
Did you know that if you’re eating well but not taking care of your teeth, it can lead to bad health across the board? So…which comes first: Your bad dental health or your bad overall health? Are bad health issues causing bad dental health, or is bad dental health causing bad health issues? It can be both!
Of course you will see failing dental health if you stop taking good care of your teeth. But other harmful things will start to happen. First, bad bacteria will start to accumulate. Having more bad than good bacteria in your mouth will wreak havoc. Plaque will build up, teeth will start to decay, bad breath will develop, and your gums will become red and bleed. That’s when toxins and pathogens start sneaking into the body. What diseases and conditions can develop?
- Cardiovascular disease — Bacteria can cause inflammation and infection that lead to heart disease, clogged arteries and strokes.
- Endocarditis — When bacteria gets into the bloodstream, it can attach itself to damaged areas of the heart. This can cause an infection of the endocardium, which is the inner lining of your heart.
- Diabetic complications — It can be harder to control your blood sugar when your gum tissue is inflamed from periodontitis (severe gum disease).
- Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia
Taking care of your teeth is SO important. It’s also important to eat nutritious food, but you have to have good dental health so you can properly chew and consume your food. If you didn’t develop good brushing habits as a child, it’s not too late to start. Call Smile Sarasota today to have an exam and cleaning and keep your body healthy…all of it!
