How does oral health affect your overall health?

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from dent.info.md 

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which may also affect the bone supporting the teeth. Plaque is a sticky colourless film of bacteria that constantly builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar and contribute to infections in the gums.

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth and an increased risk of more serious diseases, including heart disease and stroke.

The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth into the bloodstream, and has been linked to the clogging of arteries and damage to heart valves. The same bacteria can also travel to the lungs, causing infection or aggravating existing lung conditions.

There is also a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications.

Oral health is also extremely important for pregnant women. Studies show that pregnant women with gum disease are at higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight babies than women without gum disease.

 This is a concern because such babies are already at increased risk of many ailments, including developmental complications, asthma, ear infections, congenital abnormalities and behavioral difficulties, such as attention deficit disorder. They also have a higher risk of infant death.

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