Make sure to take care of those pearly whites.
The consequences of avoiding the dentist don’t end with having a less than stellar smile. On the contrary, your teeth are a critical part of your overall health.
Yes, brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist leads to pearlier whites, but it also may protect you from chronic disease later in life.
For those at risk of developing heart disease, periodontal disease can be the final nail in the coffin. Researchers believe that the inflammation of the gums can lead to inflamed blood vessels that inhibit the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Respiratory illness is another risk factor of periodontal disease. A study by the Journal of Periodontology revealed that people with tooth caries and periodontal disease inhale germs from their teeth and gums, which can lead to respiratory tract infections and pneumonia.
Your teeth begin the process of turning food into fuel for the body. Periodontal disease can complicate this process. For those at risk of developing diabetes, having gum problems can interfere with your body’s ability to break down sugar since it wasn’t properly digested in the oral phase of digestion.
Beyond these illnesses, there are a number of other links between gum disease and poor health, including arthritis, brain infections, and dementia.
For all these reasons, taking care of your teeth should become a priority.