Medical studies are just now starting to show how complex and integrated the human body truly is. The most significant findings are in the discovery of the Oral Systemic Link. The Oral Systemic Link shows that our oral health truly does affect our overall health. Diseases, such as periodontal (gum) disease, are linked to cardiovascular (heart) disease, Alzheimer’s, and even diabetes. We believe that knowledge is power, especially for parents trying to provide their children the resources for lifelong good oral health.
What is the Oral Systemic Link?
The American Dental Association identifies the Oral Systemic Link as a correlation between our oral and overall health. This discovery has filled in the gaps between dentistry and medicine, giving doctors in both fields an advantage in preventing many diseases. The Oral Systemic link has highlighted the correlation between periodontal disease and many other diseases.
These studies have found that the harmful bacteria that causes periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, often through “bleeding gums” associated with it. Once in the bloodstream, this bacteria can wreak havoc on your entire body. The consequences can be seen in the development of diseases such as cardiovascular (heart) disease, strokes, diabetes, dementia, pre-term labor, pancreatic cancer, and even Alzheimer’s. Yet, that is still only naming a few.
How Does This Affect My Child?
Children with bad oral hygiene habits often invite cavities and tooth decay at a young age. This can lead to the early development of periodontal disease with both their baby and permanent teeth. Studies show that 80% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease, even among our children. Working to prevent this disease from a young age can have many benefits, including lifelong good oral and overall health.
There is a common misconception about baby teeth, that getting cavities in them doesn’t matter as much. This is completely false. In fact, children with cavities in baby teeth significantly increase their chances of having periodontal disease, as well as cavities as adults. Many of the factors involved in cavities among children are due to bad oral hygiene habits.
How Can I Help My Child Achieve Good Lifelong Oral Health?
We believe that every child deserves oral health worth smiling about. We also know that our patients’ parents truly want what is best for their children. This is why we believe it is important to educate our patients and their parents on the best preventative dentistry has to offer. One of the easiest ways to prevent periodontal disease and being affected by the Oral Systemic Link is to begin positive oral hygiene practices from a young age.
Prevention is as easy as brushing their teeth twice per day for two minutes each time and flossing daily. This cleanses your child’s mouth by cleaning the entire surface of the tooth to prevent the growth of bacteria and plaque. This is the best prevention because buildups of bacteria and plaque are the leading causes of periodontal disease.
One day your children will grow up and be responsible for their own oral and overall health decisions. Until then, the best gift you can give your child is the gift of good oral and overall health. We believe our patients’ parents should play a positive role in their child’s development and we want to give them as many resources as possible to achieve that. If you are interested in more information on the Oral Systemic Link or periodontal disease, please feel free to contact us today.
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