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 It’s Never too Late to Straighten Your Smile

Braces as an adult? No way. At least, that was what I thought when my dentist told me that I was going to have to see an orthodontist about my crooked teeth. But my teeth were so misaligned that they were causing me pain when I chewed, so I decided to at least look into it. Turns out braces today are nothing like the ones my friends had when I was a kid. Mine were practically invisible, and I didn't need to wear them that long. I started this blog to encourage other people like me who are nervous about the prospect of wearing braces as an adult. My straight smile is so worth the trips to the orthodontist, and wearing braces was nowhere near as bad as I thought. Read on to find out more about how you can straighten your smile.

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It’s Never too Late to Straighten Your Smile

3 Diseases Affected By The Condition Of Your Teeth And Gums

by Jacqueline Byrd

If you are wondering how to lessen your chance of developing a serious disease, you may only need to reach for your toothbrush and dental floss. Although the way that you care for your teeth directly affects your oral health, it also affects your overall health. Dental health has been linked to diseases that, on the surface, don't appear to be tooth-related at all. Here are a few diseases that are impacted by the condition of your teeth and gums:

Diabetes

People with diabetes are often advised to exercise meticulous dental hygiene to help protect their teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing helps minimize the amount of dental plaque and oral bacteria, which are able to demineralize teeth and inflame gums.

Once a diabetic's gums become inflamed, the resulting periodontal disease could impact the diabetic's ability to control his or her blood sugar.

Additionally, a diabetic is more likely to suffer from periodontal disease than a person who is not diabetic. Thus, not only does a diabetic's dental health affect his or her diabetic condition, being a diabetic has a negative impact on oral health.   

Erectile Dysfunction

Men who have periodontal disease appear to have an increased chance of developing erectile dysfunction, even if they are not of advanced age. Results from a Turkish study indicate that men who have gum disease have a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction than men who display no signs of periodontal problems.  

Hardening of the Arteries (Atherosclerosis)

Hardening of the arteries, which is also called "atherosclerosis," occurs when the arteries become increasingly narrow due to the accumulation of fatty deposits on the arterial walls. If the condition is allowed to progress unchecked, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

People who suffer from gum disease and hardening of the arteries may exacerbate their condition. As gum disease and bacterial counts progress, so does atherosclerosis.

If you are concerned about your overall health, you should pay close attention to the health of your teeth and gums. Gum disease and dental decay have been linked to diseases that occur in other parts of the body. To protect your overall health and help keep your teeth and gums in good condition, consult with your dentist today. He or she can offer ways to help clean your mouth more effectively. 

For more information about other dentistry topics, contact a general dentist in your area right away.

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