Oral health is a reflection of the general condition of our body. If our mouth is healthy, it is very likely that we will enjoy good health, but the opposite is also true: if we have poor oral health, we may also have other problems.
A very high percentage of systemic diseases (including diabetes, leukemia, oral or pancreatic cancer) can have oral manifestations, which can range from inflammation of the gums, ulcers, dry mouth, bad breath or receding gums.
In addition, recent research has shown that there is a relationship between heart disease and gum health, since the risk of suffering a heart attack increases by 28% when the patient has some gingival disease, either in early stage or advanced.
The relationship between these diseases and oral health is explained by the spread of bacteria and other germs that move from the mouth to other parts of the body, affecting to a greater or lesser extent when reaching vital organs. The American Heart Association has also found a relationship with other cardiovascular conditions such as arteriosclerosis and strokes.
That is why maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly is highly advisable, as it could be the first step in detecting a more serious health problem. If you have any questions regarding the condition of your gums or teeth, do not hesitate to consult our Periodontics department, led by Dr. Vanessa Ruiz Magaz.
