There is an old adage that states “the eyes are the windows of the soul”.  It could also be said though that “the mouth is the window to the body”. The mouth allows us to take in nourishment to physically maintain our body, and serves as our primary means of communication.  Maintaining oral health is essential to maintaining general health and well-being. A healthy mouth allows us to maintain a healthy diet, enhance social interaction, and promotes a high self-esteem.  These are all very positive reasons to maintain good oral health.  While not as positive, the mouth can also provide us with signals of general health disorders.

For example, mouth lesions may be the first signs of HIV infection, aphthous ulcers are occasionally a manifestation of Coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease, pale and bleeding gums can be a marker for blood disorders, bone loss in the lower jaw can be an early indicator of skeletal osteoporosis, and changes in tooth appearance can indicate bulimia or anorexia. The presence of many compounds (e.g., alcohol, nicotine, opiates, drugs, hormones, environmental toxins, antibodies) in the body can also be detected in the saliva.

Gum disease is linked to a host of illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers now believe, that people with gum disease were twice as likely as others to die from an attack and three times as likely to have a stroke. Gum disease is the most common chronic inflammatory condition in the world, yet it's often a silent disease, Ongoing inflammation in your mouth can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which may lead to more inflammation in other parts of your body, such as the heart.  Research also points as a reciprocal relationship between gum disease and diabetes.  Studies have indicated that when diabetes is treated, the condition of the mouth improves.  And when you treat periodontal disease, the need for insulin is reduced.

If you have any questions about your oral health or it’s simply been a while since your last dental exam, now is the time to contact Bland County Medical Clinic Dental Clinic.  Our trained professionals offer dental services to meet the needs of your entire family.  Services include the full range of general dental care including preventative, restorative, periodontal care, and dentures.  Schedule your next appointment by calling (276) 688-4711 or visit their website to learn more about available services.