9310 Carmel Mountain Rd., Ste. A
San Diego, CA 92129
This year, World Health Day falls on April 7, and to celebrate, the team at Carmel Mountain Dental Care has put together this blog post. We’ll be discussing the ways in which your dental health can affect your overall health, and how preserving your oral health is one of the best ways to avoid potentially serious health issues, like heart disease and stroke.
Let’s get started now, and discuss the links between your oral health and overall health, so that you can take control of your health, and ensure that you’re getting the treatment you need to stay healthy in 4S Ranch, Del Sur, Carmel Valley, Rancho Bernardo, and Poway.
Your gums are filled with innumerable tiny capillaries and veins. Because of this, excessively high levels of oral bacteria can be transmitted through your gums into the rest of your body. If you are not brushing and flossing properly, there is a chance that infected gum tissue could transmit oral bacteria throughout the rest of your bloodstream.
If this happens, it can result in a condition called “endocarditis.” This rare infection occurs when the “endocardium,” which is the inner lining of your heart, is infected by bacteria from another part of your body, such as the mouth.
While this condition can usually be treated with antibiotics and is not life-threatening, it can result in serious impairment of the heart’s function and require surgical intervention, in rare cases. It may even cause heart failure and death.
It has been shown that the health of your gums and heart are linked, and that untreated and severe cases of gum disease can cause serious issues with your heart, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke. A recent systematic review concluded that patients who have gum disease have a 20% overall higher risk of developing heart disease.
This is thought to be due to the inflammatory response provoked by oral bacteria. When they enter the bloodstream, these bacteria may cause arteries and veins to swell due to the natural immune response of the body.
In turn, this inflammation may constrict veins that may already be suffering from plaque buildup, or which have become hardened due to atherosclerosis. This could lead to a higher risk of a serious cardiovascular incident, like a heart attack or stroke.
As you can see, the health of our mouths can directly impact our overall health. That’s why it’s critical that you take great care of your mouth, particularly if you have chronic health conditions like diabetes, immune disorders, and a high risk of heart disease.
So let’s celebrate World Health Day together! If you’re near Rancho Peñasquitos or Carmel Mountain Ranch, come visit Carmel Mountain Dental Care today. At our office, Dr. H. Jonathan Lee can provide you with the treatment you need to safeguard your oral health, and your overall health.
Don’t wait. Contact us now for an appointment at (858) 484-4880, or stop by our office at 9310 Carmel Mountain Rd, Ste A, San Diego, CA 92129 to get started. We hope to see you soon.
First visit to Carmel Mountain Dental Care? Schedule your New Patient Appointment today to meet the team and get the quality care you deserve at Carmel Mountain Dental Care in Rancho Peñasquitos. Our New Patient Special includes a comprehensive exam, cleaning, x-rays, and a personalized treatment plan.
