The condition of your mouth is closely tied to your overall health. At Raton Family Dental, we believe taking care of your teeth isn't just about having a nice smile and pleasant breath. Recent research has found a number of links between oral health and overall health. While in many cases, the nature of this link still isn't clear - researchers have yet to conclude whether the connections are causal or correlative - what is certain is that the condition of your mouth is closely tied to your overall physical health.

What we eat affects our health, as well as other mouth-related habits like smoking or nail-biting, and problems in overall health may show their first obvious symptoms in the teeth and especially the gums. It's easier to maintain good overall health by maintaining good oral health.

Conditions that are linked to your oral health

• Endocarditis
  Endocarditis is inflammation of your heart's inner lining, called the endocardium. It's usually caused by bacteria and germs, which may originate from your mouth.
  
  
• Cardiovascular Disease
  Some studies have shown that bacteria in the mouth that are involved in the development of periodontal disease can move into the bloodstream and can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  
  
• Pregnancy & Birth Complications
  Pregnancy increases the risk of certain dental health problems that may lead to pregnancy complications, like premature birth.
  
  
• Pneumonia
  Bacteria like streptococcus or staphylococcus can invade through your oral cavity and make it to your lungs, causing infection and pneumonia.

Preexisting medical conditions may also affect your oral health including:

• Diabetes
  Patients with uncontrolled diabetes could have higher blood sugar levels, and as such, be at an increased risk of developing certain oral health conditions. Research suggests that the link between diabetes and oral health may stem from your blood sugar levels.
  
  
• Osteoporosis
  Osteoporosis can affect any part of the body - including the jawbone that supports the teeth. This may be of particular concern if you are considering certain dental procedures such as getting dental implants to replace missing teeth.