Are you aware that your oral health is often an early indicator of your overall health? Gum disease can be an early indicator of other health concerns, such as heart disease or cancer. The leading cause of gum disease is a build up of bacteria in the mouth. If it is not addressed, the bacteria will become part the plaque in you mouth and can get below the gumline and into your blood stream. This bacteria can also degrade the roots of your teeth and your jawbone.
Another way the gums can be impacted and show signs of infection is if your immune system has been compromised. Often, one of the early signs of gum disease is when your body’s immune system is not functioning properly. Recent studies have shown that women who have breast cancer were 10 time more likely to also have gum disease. Bacterium that cause issues like periodontal disease and Mono often find their way into your body through the gums. during infection, these bacteria are susceptible to shutting down your immune system. As a result, your body is at a higher risk of infections and diseases such as breast cancer.
A study performed at the University of Buffalo has shown that microorganisms from the mouth in tumors in the breast tissue. While there are no large scale studies underway investigating the cause of this, the University of Buffalo study concluded that people with periodontal disease had a 14% higher chance of developing breast cancer than those who did not have the gum disease.
What Should You Look For?
When you are brushing, if you feel pain or see blood around your gums, you may have a form of gum disease. Pain or sensitivity when eating or drinking can also be an indication that you may have issues with your gum health. It is important to pay attention to your oral health, as it can be a warning sign of bigger health concerns.
What Should You Do?
Firstly, do not panic or assume that your have major health concerns if you suspect gum disease. Most of us are not medical experts and we can end up doing the wrong things when we try to diagnose ourselves. Most importantly, you should not stop your routine hygiene practices.
If you are seeing symptoms that have you concerned about gum disease, or a bigger health issue, you should consult with your dentist for an examination. They can see if these issues stem from an issue like a plaque buildup, or if there may be another cause. If there is a larger concern, your dentist can work with your physician to examine further to determine what the underlying cause may be.
Good Health Starts with the Mouth
If you are looking for a dental office in the Joliet Illinois area, that will give you the peace of mind about your overall health, come see us at Shorewood Family Dental Care. Our staff will give you a comprehensive exam and work with you to address any concerns. Contact us today to schedule a visit.
