In the last several years, many links have been established between orthodontic treatments and whole body health. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, researchers have observed that people who have gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease, or experience difficulty in controlling their blood sugar levels than people without gum disease. While studies continue to find associations between oral health and the overall health of the body, it has not yet been determined whether gum disease could be the leading cause of these health conditions. What can be determined, however, is that good oral health isn’t just about maintaining a healthy smile; it also has an important impact on the health of your entire body.

The connections between gum disease and whole body health.

The connections between the health of your mouth and the health of your body are too many to ignore. Is it a coincidence that gum disease and other health problems occur together? Researchers don’t think so, despite the lack of definitive proof.

Here are four possible connections between the health of your mouth and the overall health of your body.

• Excessive oral inflammation has been linked to a greater incidence of clogged arteries.
• The American Society of Microbiology has revealed that certain types of oral bacteria can infect the arterial cells and weaken the wall of the heart.
• Loose teeth are often thought to be a warning sign for osteoporosis, a disease that causes the bones to become less dense.
• Some studies suggest that women with gum disease are more likely than those without gum disease to deliver pre-term, low-weight babies.

The connection between orthodontics and gum disease.

So what does undergoing orthodontic treatment at Horner Barrow Orthodontics have to do with gum disease? Braces do so much more than just give you a nice-looking, straight smile. Quite simply, straight teeth are easier to keep clean than crooked or misaligned teeth. Your toothbrush is able to remove more plaque-causing bacteria, and your floss is more effective at removing tiny particles between your teeth.

Despite the lack of hard facts in these findings, the message is clear: if you improve your oral health, you will also have a greater chance of maintaining the health of your entire body. That’s a chance Dr. Horner and Dr. Barrow and our team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics believe is worth taking. For more information regarding this topic, please give us a call at our convenient Sioux Falls, SD office, or ask Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow about it during your next visit!