Introduction
The Effect of Dental Disease on Your Health
Hmmm, a book about teeth? Yep, that it is, but don’t let the title throw you, because Healthy Teeth-Healthy Body is about more than just teeth, their diseases, and how to keep your teeth healthy for the rest of your life. It is also about improving your oral and overall health and extending your life expectancy.
The Relationship of Oral to Overall Health
For example, are you aware that dental disease can have a devastating effect on your overall health? The long held belief that dental disease is a localized, minor disease of the teeth and gums has not withstood the test of time. It may originate in the gums and teeth, but left unchecked, the destruction it can cause is definitely not restricted to the mouth. Dental disease is a serious disease of the body and it has been proven that gum disease can increase the risk of:
• Heart attack by as much as 25%;
• Stroke by a factor of 10;
• Respiratory disease;
• Digestive disorders; and
• Preterm low birth weight.
Gum disease can also make it more difficult to control diabetes and is now considered a risk factor in osteoporosis. It can also severely stress the immune system, lowering the body's resistance to other diseases and; it can actually reduce life expectancy. Thus, it is vitally important to understand that preventing gum disease can actually improve your overall health and you must understand that, Overall Health must include Oral Health!
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