Arlington Heights Dentists Bring Attention to the Connection Between Your Oral and Overall Health
Arlington Heights dentists, Dr. Edward Vallely, Dr. Courtney Martusiewicz, and team provide patients with information on the connection between health conditions and oral health.
![](https://cdn.nwe.io/files/x/a9/90/727184b32e5ba4ff1bc72afd6990.jpg)
Arlington Heights, IL, May 22, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Associates for General Dentistry, Ltd aims to educate patients on the importance of oral health for their overall health.
Recent research has found that there are over 100 medical conditions that can be detected in the early stages by a dentist. A high number of overall health conditions can have oral symptoms, such as ulcers, bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums and dry mouth. The condition of your oral health is closely related to your overall physical health.
Stroke: If you are missing some or all of your teeth, or have lost significant amounts of bone and tissue around your teeth, you may be at an increased risk of stroke. Also, those with severe periodontitis are at risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques, which can cause strokes.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to the development of gum disease and tooth loss. Diabetes can slow the healing process and lower resistance to infections, including oral infections. Infections in your mouth can contribute to low-grade inflammation throughout the body, affecting sugar-processing abilities.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Inflammation due to chronic periodontal disease quadruples your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Bacteria found in oral cavities can enter the blood stream after invasive dental treatments, causing bacteria to enter the brain regularly. This bacteria can potentially trigger immune system responses, causing the release of chemicals that can kill neurons.
Heart Disease: Studies have shown that people with moderate or advanced gum disease are more likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums.
Cancer: Oral cancer occurs when cells are found on the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the mouth, jaw or upper throat area. Oral cancer screenings help to eliminate the risks of developing a more serious oral health condition. Carcinogens found in tobacco products, alcohol and certain foods, as well as excessive exposure to the sun, have proven an increase risk of developing oral cancer.
Visiting our dentists in Arlington Heights regularly can help you maintain your oral health and overall health. By taking good care of your teeth and treating any dental problems that may occur, you can keep your mouth healthy and contribute to your overall health.