{"id":64,"date":"2017-02-24T17:03:01","date_gmt":"2017-02-24T17:03:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bickfordandshirley.com\/blog\/?p=64"},"modified":"2017-03-24T17:06:35","modified_gmt":"2017-03-24T17:06:35","slug":"hiram-dentists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bickfordandshirley.com\/blog\/hiram-dentists\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiram Dentists Discuss the Oral-Systemic Connection"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HiramNo one needs to tell you that what your put in your mouth greatly affects the condition of your body. You can choose between fresh vegetables and whole grains or potato chips and white bread. You can choose to smoke\u2014or not. But did you know that the condition of your mouth itself could also influence the health of your body? At Distinctive Dentistry, Hiram dentists Dr. Jack Bickford and Dr. Bobby Shirley provide preventive dental services so you can have a healthy mouth and a healthy body.<\/p>\n

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The Oral-Systemic Connection<\/h2>\n

The oral-systemic connection<\/a> is the terminology dentists, doctors and researchers use when referring to the link between the mouth and body. Specifically, they\u2019re talking about the bacteria in your mouth that cause periodontal disease. The beginning and advanced stages of gum disease\u2014gingivitis and periodontitis, respectively\u2014are bacterial infections that can develop as a result of inadequate brushing and flossing. When you brush with fluoride twice a day and floss between your teeth at least once a day, you remove plaque, which is that clear and sticky film in everyone\u2019s mouth. Bacteria live in plaque.<\/p>\n

If not removed with daily oral hygiene care, plaque builds up between your teeth and along the gum line. Eventually, plaque hardens to become tartar, or calculus. At this point, the bacteria are literally stuck and need to be removed with professional periodontal therapy. Otherwise, the infection known as gum disease sets in; bacteria begin to destroy gum and connective tissue and even bone tissue with time.<\/p>\n

Oral Bacteria and the Rest of Your Body<\/h2>\n

If the bacteria in your mouth only caused trouble there, then that would be bad enough. Unfortunately, however, these same bacteria are linked to a number of bodily diseases and illnesses. The reason is understandable. Gingivitis and periodontitis often cause bleeding gums. When your gums bleed, bacteria have access to your bloodstream and can move to other parts of your body. Similarly, inhaling deeply can draw bacteria into your respiratory system. That\u2019s how the same bacteria that infect your gums can bring illnesses and diseases such as:<\/p>\n