Welcome to the findRI.com Dental Health Forum. As a practicing dentist for over 30 years, I believe that dental health is a major contributor to our general health. The article you are about to read is an overview that draws a relationship between dental health and your own general health. In this forum I will periodically update my readers on this very important relationship.

For many years, dental care was not important.  If you have diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory disease, digestive problems, or the potential of these diseases because of a family history you are at risk!  Many articles being published in the medial/dental literature and in the news indicate these diseases are related to poor dental health and periodontal (gum) disease. This disease has even been implicated in low birth weight of newborns!

Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis (inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth, like a collar), and periodontitis (infection of the bone that anchors your teeth to your jaw), involves a chronic bacterial infection that can lead to tooth loss. Scientists have noted that over time these bacteria may slip into the blood stream and trigger inflammation in your blood vessels that feed the heart and the brain. Some studies have suggested a history of gum disease increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Your mouth is the opening into your digestive system.  As we age, proteins, called enzymes, in our stomach that are important in digestion lose their effectiveness.  Many adults with poor dental health, missing or lost teeth, cannot chew their food.  They swallow larger pieces of food that cannot be digested correctly.  The result is bloating, stomach pain, acid reflux, constipation, and many other ailments.  Many of you do or will seek the aid of over the counter drugs, see a gastroenterologist (stomach doctor) for a remedy.  Many of you do not have proper digestion because of poor dental health. You not only eat soft foods due to poor chewing efficiency.  Isn’t it interesting that many commercials are related to food, and restaurants, yet few of you value your teeth?  Can you enjoy a good meal?  The easiest remedy is good dental health. 

In the late 1990’s and now in the 21^st century cosmetic dentistry has had a great impact on how we look and feel about ourselves.  However, cosmetic dentistry is the" frosting on the cake" for dentistry.   Like your retirement plan an investment in your dental care will provide you with many years of health.