How is gum disease related to my overall general health?
Believe it or not, poor oral health is closely linked to poor physical health. How so? Well, consider the big picture: your mouth is a key entryway into the rest of the body and its systems. If the mouth has a chronic infection or disease, then your entire body may be indirectly or directly exposed to those bacteria. Furthermore, the resources needed for your general health to function will be diverted to handle the chronic infection, weakening the overall natural protection your other systems typically enjoy. And the results? Research documents connections between periodontal disease and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, diabetes complications, pregnancy complications, and osteoporosis in women. What’s more, some studies indicate that those who lose all their natural teeth may have a much shorter life span.
