We all have a good inkling that we ‘should’ visit the dentist at least twice a year, yet many of us still avoid this necessary oral health routine. At your 6-monthly check-up, your dentist in Buckinghamshire will deep clean your teeth, removing the plaque and tartar that damage the integrity of your teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. The dentist will also asses your overall oral, facial and neck health, catching early warning signs of disease or health problems. However, what you may not be aware of is, when you let your oral health deteriorate, it can also affect your general health.

Gum inflammation upsets your heart

If your gums become inflamed, due to bacteria that cause periodontal disease, and are not treated by your dentist in Buckinghamshire, the bacteria can then build up in your blood stream. The bacteria, once in your bloodstream, can harden the arteries creating blood flow problems and causing heart blockages.

Dementia

Similar to the way gum-disease affects your heart, bacterial infection from gum disease can spread to the brain via the bloodstream, killing brain cells. They also travel through the nerve channels.

Your lung health

Bacteria from infected teeth and swollen gums can spread to the lungs through the blood stream or inhalation. Once there the bacteria are in your lungs, they can cause infections and undermine your overall pulmonary health.

Apart from causing disease, there are times in your life you need to take special care of your teeth. These include:

Diabetics

If you have diabetes, you will need to pay particular attention to your oral health by visiting us at Garden View Dental Care regularly. Diabetes negatively affects your oral health and can be a cause of gum disease, due to poor blood sugar control. Equally gum disease can make your diabetes worse, so it’s important to visit us regularly so we can support your oral health and nip infections in the bud.

Pregnancy

Due to the changes in hormones when a woman is pregnant, the prevalence of gum disease may be increased, and the risk of tooth decay heightened. So, it’s important to see your dentist in Buckinghamshire on a regular basis.