Ways Tooth Decay Can Affect Your Health in Kitchener

The way our smile looks says a lot about our personality and can affect the way we feel as we go about our day. Anything that might spoil that smile, such as dental decay, can put a damper on our lives and have us searching for tooth decay remedies and a good dentist that can help us take care of the problem.

But tooth decay does more harm than just making us self-conscious. There is evidence that dental decay is actually a common gateway for several more serious issues, including diabetes, blood pressure issues, heart disease, osteoporosis and more.

How Tooth Decay Happens

While tooth decay can happen to anyone, it often strikes those with poor dietary habits and/or oral hygiene. Certain foods, such as candy and soda can encourage tooth decay at a faster rate than non-sugary foods. In addition, drinking soda is especially troublesome if consumed on a regular basis, because it is less likely that a person will brush their teeth immediately after consuming one.

Connection Between Dentistry and General Health

For many years dentistry has been compartmentalized separate from other health disciplines, but more and more dentists and physicians are realizing that the connect is actually quite strong. In addition to tooth decay, different levels of gum disease, which often accompany dental decay, can lead to inflammation and nerve damage.

What Inflammation Can Mean

Having inflamed gums not only hurts but it can also be a sign that your body is having trouble processing sugar and/or producing insulin. Insulin is what is needed to turn sugar into energy. While medications are out there to help with insulin control, it is more efficient and healthier to control your sugar intake yourself. There is also a well-known connection between heart health and oral health, which is also linked to gum inflammation. While the reason for the connection isn't completely clear, it is suspected that inflammation in the mouth leads to inflammation in the blood vessels. This can cause both heart and blood pressure issues.

The better you take care of your teeth and overall mouth health, the better you take care of yourself. While taking preventative measures early is best, it is never too late to include dentistry as a serious part of your health care regimen.

Contact Us Today

At Kitchener East Family Dental in Kitchener, Ontario, we accept patients of all ages and can assist with many dental health concerns. Contact us at Kitchener East Family Dental in Kitchener Ontario at 519-578-2419 to schedule an appointment.