Taking care of your mouth may be more important than you think. In fact, dental professionals and physicians believe that there may be links between oral health and overall health. This section explores some of the connections between a healthy mouth and a healthy body.

 

 

Pregnancy

There may be a possible link between your oral health and your unborn baby’s health since pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease. Emerging science suggests that premature, low birth weights may be attributed to advanced gum disease. Research suggests that gum infections can activate production of labor-triggering chemicals in your body too early; thus resulting in premature labor or birth.

 

Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading risk factors of gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking and having a healthy oral care routine is the best thing to do to reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

 

Heart diseases and stroke

New studies suggest that advanced gum disease may be a contributing factor to heart disease. One theory is that gum disease, if allowed to progress to periodontitis, may allow oral germs to enter the bloodstream. These germs may affect the heart by attaching to the fatty plaques in your arteries, contributing to the formation of clots. According to this theory, these clots, in turn, can cause the restriction of blood flow (a.k.a. atherosclerosis) which may lead to a heart attack.

Some studies suggest that advanced gun disease may also be associated with the presence of blocked arteries in the brain, a condition which may lead to a stroke.

 

Diabetes

Diabetes increases your chances of gum infection because of the way it slows down the body’s natural healing process. Research also suggests that advanced gum disease may have an adverse effect on blood-sugar levels; potentially making diabetes treatment less effective.

Emerging science suggests an association between periodontitis(advanced gum disease) and broader health problems, but a cause and effect relationship has not been established. LISTERINE^® Antiseptic is not indicated to treat periodontitis.