Studies and research have suggested that having a healthy mouth can be related to having a healthy body. This means unhealthy teeth and gums are often found in relation to many health issues, like:
–Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of falling victim to gum disease. According to researchers, this is the case because the medical condition reduces the body’s ability to resist and fight infection.
–Heart disease: Heart disease and stroke oftentimes affect people who have moderate to severe gum disease. However, there is no proof that cardiovascular disease causes gum disease and vice versa. But, the risk factors for both conditions are the same, like tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, and poor nutrition.
–Kidney disease: Chronic bad breath and dry mouth are common signs of kidney disease. If your kidneys don’t function properly, the by-products of incomplete protein breakdown are released and cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
–Anxiety: Anxiety can harm your smile and oral health more than you might realize. Anxiety can affect your immune system, which means the bacteria in your mouth have a better chance of creating gum disease. Anxiety can also cause bruxism. This involves grinding your teeth on a regular basis, oftentimes causing chipped and fractured teeth.
This is why it’s extremely important to take good care of your oral health as much as possible. To help you do so, our Athens Advanced Dental team encourages you to brush your teeth twice a day, floss your smile and rinse your mouth once a day, and visit Drs. Risinger and Murphy every six months for a routine cleaning and exam. If you need help with the mentioned tasks or if you would like to learn more about your oral health in Athens, Texas, please call our office at 903-675-9118. Our dental team will be more than happy to talk with you and give you the information you’re looking for!
