Just as the eyes are the window to the soul, the mouth is the window to the rest of your body. Conditions in the mouth can speak volumes about the overall health of the body. The health of your body and the health of your mouth are a lot more connected than you may think.
The connection between the two is a two way process as often the first sign of a health condition will be noticed in the mouth, conversely oral health conditions can also have an effect on the whole body.
The human mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria as the moist and warm conditions are perfect for them to thrive. It is possible to keep these bacteria under control with an effective oral health regime, including daily brushing and flossing. Saliva production is also key to a healthy mouth but sometimes these defences may not be enough or are not working well enough to prevent the growth of bacteria. This can cause gum disease, which in severe cases is known as periodontitis, which results in dangerous infections being released into the blood stream through the oral cavity. These oral infections have a strong link to heart disease as they can cause a narrowing of the arteries putting pressure on the heart. Further research indicates that these infections can have damaging effects on other areas of the body.
Other conditions that occur in the body can also be noticed in the mouth which can lead to a quicker diagnosis. City of Leeds dentists are trained to treat oral health conditions and spot the signs of wider health problems occurring in the mouth. So regular dental check ups could benefit the health of more than just your teeth.
Nobody wants to lose teeth, either due to decay or because of an accident, but the likelihood of losing at least one tooth is something that nearly half of us will face at some stage in our lives. Missing teeth can look unpleasant and particularly in younger patients cause a loss of confidence and self esteem. There are also several very important medical reasons why it is important to replace missing teeth.