In ancient times, your doctor was your dentist. They were one and the same. As civilization and medicine progressed, those who practiced dentistry became their own sort of specialty. In a nutshell, your doctor and dentist became, and are still, separate. So then the idea that your overall well being was separate from your oral health became the norm.

Not everyone accepted this idea, of course, and in recent years scientific research has proven that the two are bound together, and not separate at all. Your dentist understands in depth, the part of you that your physician does not typically address. Your physician looks after the rest of you, diagnosing and treating the conditions that the dentist cannot.

Bleeding gums, bone loss, loose teeth, … your body is fighting a battle.

This recent research has proven that periodontal disease is linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even premature birth. The facts of periodontal disease include that it affects the foundations of your teeth. Bleeding gums, bone loss, loose teeth, these are some of things you can find in the mouth when one has periodontal disease. What you don’t see is that your body is fighting a battle.

Periodontal disease means that harmful bacteria are present. Just like any other infection, your body tries to fight it and heal itself. The condition can often go unnoticed, because it is usually not painful, and without regular dental care, it can, and will continue unchecked. So the body continues to fight. The bacteria enter the bloodstream. While the main infection is in your mouth, it is also systemic, widespread throughout the body.

Now research has had trouble pinpointing the specific factors from periodontal disease that put you at risk for other conditions. There are several theories being tested and examined, but the simple fact remains, it is connected.

You get your regular checkup with your family doctor; see the specialists they recommend, but what about the dentist? Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pregnancy complications, these are all quite serious conditions. Are you at increased risk because of your oral health? The dentist can diagnose, treat, and work with you to lower your risk. There are even tests available to see if you are genetically more likely to have periodontal disease. Modern medicine has given us the tools and knowledge to help prevent, treat, and anticipate serious conditions and diseases. Take care of your whole body.