23228 Orthodontist | The Correlation Between Your Oral and Overall Health

December 19, 2014

Orthodontist Richmond

Proper oral care isn’t just about having a beautiful and healthy smile. Recent research has found that there are over 100 medical conditions that can be detected in the early stages by a dentist. A high number of overall health conditions can have oral symptoms, such as ulcers, dry mouth, swollen or bleeding gums, and bad breath. While the nature of this link is still unclear, what is certain is that the condition of your oral health is closely related to your overall physical health.

Learn more about the connection between health conditions and oral health below.

Diabetes
People with diabetes are more susceptible to the development of gum disease and tooth loss. Diabetes can slow the healing process and lower resistance to infections, including oral infections. Infections in your mouth can contribute to low-grade inflammation throughout the body, affecting sugar-processing abilities.

Heart Disease
Studies have shown that people with moderate or advanced gum disease are more likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums.

Stroke
If you are missing some or all of your teeth, or have lost significant amounts of bone and tissue around your teeth, you may be at an increased risk of stroke. Also, those with severe periodontitis are at risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques, which can cause strokes.

Cancer
Oral cancer occurs when cells are found on the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the mouth, jaw or upper throat area. Oral cancer screenings help to eliminate the risks of developing a more serious oral health condition. Carcinogens found in tobacco products, alcohol and certain foods, as well as excessive exposure to the sun, have proven an increase risk of developing oral cancer.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Inflammation due to chronic periodontal disease quadruples your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Bacteria found in oral cavities can enter the blood stream after invasive dental treatments, causing bacteria to enter the brain regularly. This bacteria can potentially trigger immune system responses, causing the release of chemicals that can kill neurons.

Pregnancy Complications
Research shows that women who have periodontal disease have an increased risk of delivering a pre-term baby with a low birth weight. Gum infections stem from fluctuating hormone levels that come with pregnancy. Pregnant women who are also diabetic are more prone to gum inflammation and more severe gum disease.

Visiting a dentist regularly can help you maintain your oral health and overall health. By taking good care of your teeth and treating any dental problems that may occur, you can keep your mouth healthy and contribute to your overall health.

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Our 5-Star Experience
  • My daughter Tyler is currently a patient. She has had the greatest experience. Everyone has been very nice and informative.

    Tonia Avatar Tonia

    The best always kind very professional doctors check and make sure everything is good with your teeth this office is a gem!

    Lori Piscataway Avatar Lori Piscataway

    I recently visited Horsey Orthodontics and was impressed by their warm atmosphere and friendly staff. They take patient opinions seriously, even from kids, making the experience comfortable for everyone. Highly... read more

    Mitchell Pessoa Avatar Mitchell Pessoa
  • Absolutely enjoy every visit. The employees are very friendly, there is always a short waiting time, and they give the girls incentives; which they love by the way!

    carlisa childress Avatar carlisa childress

    Have only been with Horsey for a short amount of time but all of the staff are knowledgeable, kind, and punctual. They've made a new situation very stress free.

    Cami Poss Avatar Cami Poss

    My daughter has absolutely loved going to horsey orthodontics. She says they are so nice, they are like family! They are patient, good with kids, and a dippin dots after... read more

    Sylvia Clay Avatar Sylvia Clay
  • Literally the best staff ever! From the initial visit at the adult center to the Henrico location I felt extremely comfortable. The pricing was broken down and explained throughly. I... read more

    Kay H. Avatar Kay H.

    I love this orthodontist. They’re so understanding! They make sure your needs are met & that you’re satisfied. I’m so glad I’m apart of horsey orthodontist.

    Tianna Pope Avatar Tianna Pope

    Great place for your orthodontic needs. Great staff. Everyone is welcoming & answer all questions you have

    Withrow Stockton Avatar Withrow Stockton
  • I would highly recommend Horsey Orthodontics to family and friends! Staffing was friendly and answered all questions and was very helpful. They even gave me a gift bag which was... read more

    Zykirria Hill Avatar Zykirria Hill

    Great staff and very friendly to work with. Easy in and out in no time. I have referred 2 friends already.

    rhonda agnew Avatar rhonda agnew

    My son, Kristian W is 16 and gets his braces here. The team from the front desk to the techs, to the orthodontist are all super friendly and super... read more

    Carmen Daniel Avatar Carmen Daniel
  • My experience with Horsey has been absolutely amazing. All the employees are super sweet and friendly. Every time I go, I’m so excited to pick out new colors and play... read more

    Natalia McNair Avatar Natalia McNair

    I have been with Horsey Orthodontist as a patient for 2 years. All the Doctors and staff have always been so welcoming. I have auto immune health conditions and they... read more

    Sandra Layton Avatar Sandra Layton

    My son, Kristian W is 16 and gets his braces here. The team from the front desk to the techs, to the orthodontist are all super friendly and super... read more

    Carmen Daniel Avatar Carmen Daniel

Where To Find Us

If you’re ready for a smile that makes you more confident, then you’ve found the right team here at Horsey Orthodontics!

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Contact Hours
Monday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Friday 9:00am – 2:00pm