Improper oral health can have detrimental effects on your heart and even your blood sugar levels. When gum disease goes undetected in your mouth, the buildup of plaque on your teeth can eventually enter your bloodstream, causing serious issues for your heart. In addition, if you have diabetes, it can be very difficult to manage your blood sugar levels if you have periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. The only way to know if you have gum disease is to keep your semi-annual dental checkup appointments to have the plaque professionally removed from your teeth, lowering your risk of physical ailments as a result of poor oral health.
The Heart and Plaque
When you have a large amount of plaque in your mouth, it can easily pass into your bloodstream via your saliva. As the plaque passes through your bloodstream, it can become attached to the fatty areas of the blood vessels, causing subsequent heart disease. If your blood becomes clotted, the heart becomes at serious risk for heart disease. If you are already predisposed for heart disease, gum disease could make your issues even more serious.
Diabetes and your Oral Health
Diabetes and oral health also go hand-in-hand. If you already have diabetes, it is very important to keep an eye on your oral health care. Diabetes makes you much more susceptible to gum disease, especially if you do not keep good control over your blood sugar levels. On the flip side, having gum disease also makes it difficult to regulate your blood sugar levels.
Preventing Serious Health Issues
One of the best ways to prevent a high risk of heart disease or diabetes complications as a result of your oral health is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. In addition, you should have your regular dental checkups twice a year to allow us to determine if you have any early signs of gum disease. Even if you brush your teeth well, there are certain areas of your mouth that plaque will accumulate that only a professional dental hygienist or dentist can remove. The longer that the plaque is left to build up in your mouth, the higher your risk of contracting heart disease or having difficulty managing your diabetes will be, which is why it is essential to get a professional cleaning at least twice per year to ensure your overall oral and physical health.
