If the eyes are the windows to the soul, the mouth is the window to your overall health. Research about the connection between dental and full-body health continues, with more and more studies linking poor oral health to a variety of bodily conditions and diseases. The dentists at Coulee Family Dental believe in educating their patients about this connection to help keep the La Crosse, WI community as healthy as possible.

Learn some of the many ways in which dental care affects your overall health:

Lung Infections

Poor dental hygiene provides a breeding ground for bacteria to flourish. Inhaling the bacteria from infected teeth and gums over time can cause it to spread to the lungs, resulting in infections such as pneumonia. Other respiratory problems may develop as well.

Diabetes

Gum inflammation from periodontal disease creates additional problems for diabetics. Research indicates mouth inflammation lowers the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and use insulin, the hormone that turns sugar into energy. Diabetics already have problems processing sugar because their bodies lack this vital hormone. High blood sugar also increases the chance of gum infections.

Heart Attack & Stroke

Periodontal disease causes severe inflammation of the gums. The bacteria from this inflammation may enter the bloodstream and infect blood vessels, making it more challenging for blood to move to and from the heart effectively. Restricted blood flow increases blood pressure as well as the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Schedule your next dental visit by calling Coulee Family Dental at (608) 782-3102 today. Visit the family dentistry website for a complete list of services, including sleep apnea and root canal treatment. Like the dentists on Facebook for great oral health tips.