Recent Studies Prove the Importance of Oral Health and How it Affects Overall Physical Health

                                                                                         

Gum disease and cavities often contribute to many serious conditions, including respiratory diseases, diabetes, and heart disease. It is now known that premature and low weight babies can be caused by the mother’s lack of dental health. Untreated cavities can also be painful and lead to serious infections.

Maintaining good oral health consists of keeping teeth free from cavities and preventing gum disease and affects your ability to chew and digest food properly. Good nutrition is vital to building strong teeth and gums that resist disease and promote healing.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, stresses that oral health needs to be a priority throughout all stages of life. “I have found that to be important, especially since older adults and seniors are keeping their teeth longer than ever before. Some older people have a harder time getting to the dentist, because they rely on others to drive them around or they have lower incomes or they no longer have insurance.”

It has been found that seniors living in long-term care facilities are at particular risk of complications from poor oral health because of frailty, poor health and increased dependence on others for personal care. In many cases, oral health problems in residents go undetected until there are acute symptoms, such as pain or infection.

Dr. Maddahi explains, “We all know that bad teeth can lead to discomfort and pain. But also poor dental health can contribute to quite a few serious health issues.” Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which may also affect the bone supporting the teeth. Plaque is a sticky colorless film of bacteria that constantly builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar and may contribute to infections in the gums.

When left untreated, gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth and an increased risk of more serious diseases, including heart disease and stroke. The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth into the bloodstream, and has been linked to the clogging of arteries and damage to heart valves. The same bacteria can also travel to the lungs, causing infection or aggravating existing lung conditions.
There has been found a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications.

Dental care is most important for pregnant women. Studies show that pregnant women with gum disease might be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight babies than women without gum disease. Babies who are pre-term or low birth weight have a higher risk of developmental complications, asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities and a higher risk of infant death.

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles and superior dental health for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

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