Over the years, significant research has uncovered the connection between oral and systemic health. At her office in Midtown, Dr. Martina Reynolds makes it a point to educate her patients about how a proper oral health care routine can be beneficial to one’s overall health. Whether speaking to an audience over the radio or having a one-on-one discussion about effective treatments with a patient, Dr. Reynolds is always ready to explain how physical and oral health are related.
Establishing the Connection Early
Dental professionals collect full medical and oral health records to help determine the connection between both. Dr. Reynolds feels this helps patients keep this relationship in mind throughout treatment, so she can address concerns in either area promptly.
Medical records help dentists determine a patient’s the risk level for systemic disease when considering treatment for dental complications such as gum disease. By establishing the oral-systemic connection early, focus is directed toward prevention, rather than a reactionary approach to managing and reducing symptoms.
Healthy Gums for a Healthy Heart
Gum disease is an inflammatory process caused by a bacterial infection. After wreaking havoc on your teeth and soft tissues, the bacteria eventually enter the bloodstream, attaching to deposits in the heart blood vessels. This obstructive process leads to clotting, or in severe cases, heart attack and stroke. Whether the patient knows it or not, by seeking treatment for their periodontal issues, they are creating a better systemic environment.
This connection works both ways. Those with pre-existing heart conditions should be mindful of practicing preventive periodontal care, since neglecting hygiene causes long-lasting health implications that will require increasingly involved procedures over time.
Other Systemic Issues
Beyond heart disease, there are a few other systemic complications associated with oral health. The spreading of periodontal infection through the bloodstream can exasperate conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and cancer. Additionally, untreated oral conditions can cause complications throughout pregnancy, including pre-term labor. By undergoing treatment for gum disease before it reaches advanced stages, you’re minimizing the chance for it to cause issues to your overall health.
Contact Our Midtown Office Today
Maintaining or restoring proper oral hygiene habits can positively impact your systemic health. Many patients can achieve a cosmetically appealing smile, while also reducing the risk of heart disease and other inflammatory issues. If you have questions about the relationship between oral hygiene and systemic disease and are in Midtown, Central Park, or surrounding Manhattan communities, give Dr. Reynolds’ office a call today.