Although there are plenty of reasons to keep your teeth clean and regularly visit your dentist in Wrigleyville, the team at Northalsted Dental Spa wants to reiterate the importance oral health has on your overall health. In many ways, your mouth can serve as ground zero for infectious diseases – especially if you’ve been slacking on your good dental hygiene habits.
In fact, there are a number of different ways in which your oral health can impact your general health. As your trusted dentist in Wrigleyville, we’ll fill you in on a few of them.
The Spread of Infections
While this may sound unbelievable, there are millions of bacteria living in your mouth at any given time, but don’t be alarmed! Your mouth’s trusty saliva prevents any of that pesky bacteria from entering your bloodstream. However, if your oral health is in bad shape, your saliva’s ability to ward off dangerous bacteria may be compromised. If this is the case, the chances are higher of developing infections in the rest of your body.
Other Associations
Although research has not conclusively shown that poor oral health causes heart disease, birth complications, or difficult-to-manage diabetes, there is clear evidence that these conditions can be linked to poor dental health. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, as many as 18 percent of preterm, low birth weight babies born in the U.S. each year may be attributed to oral infections. Thankfully, this is all preventable with regular visits to your dentist in Wrigleyville. Schedule an appointment today!
