What are the benefits of dental care?

The Benefits of Good Oral HygieneDecember 24 The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in Lincoln Square, Chicago.

What are the benefits of dental care?

The Benefits of Good Oral HygieneDecember 24 The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in Lincoln Square, Chicago. Good oral hygiene also leads to better overall body health and will help you avoid problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or dementia. Studies have shown that bacteria that commonly cause gum disease are also found in patients with heart disease.

If the gums are infected with bacteria, they can reach the bloodstream and increase your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Any gum disease can make it difficult to control blood glucose. The relationship between severe gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but severe gum disease can affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.

Poor oral health can also increase the risk of developing dementia by a third. Unfortunately, bacteria don't always stay in the mouth. Instead, it can spread throughout the body in the bloodstream. When this happens, it can travel to the heart and cause delicate arteries to narrow, which can put you at risk for a heart attack.

In fact, gum disease can increase the risk of heart attack by nearly 50%, according to the American College of Cardiology. Type 2 diabetes is a potentially dangerous blood sugar disorder that can cause disability and even premature death. It develops when the blood sugar level stays too high, either because the body doesn't produce enough insulin or because the body can't use it properly. This hormone helps the body use blood sugar as an energy source.

Studies show that people with gum disease are up to 50% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people with healthy gums. But why this connection? Gum disease causes inflammation, which makes it more difficult for the body to use insulin properly. This condition is known as insulin resistance.