1st sign of disease may show up in your mouth

Infections in your mouth or gum disease can cause problems in other areas of your body.  Saliva is a defense against harmful bactria and viruses.  Medications or diseases that decrease the amount of saliva in your mouth may promote gum disease or infections and these may enter your bloodstream.  Floss once daily, brush, gently, twice a day and use a saliva substitiute if needed. 

The following is from the Mayo Clinic.

Diseases or Conditions that may be linked to Oral (Moutth) health:

Cardiovascular diseases – heart disease, clogged arteries, strokes

Premature births

Osteoporosis – 1st stages of bone loss may show up in the teeth and jaw bone areas

HIV/AIDS – fungal, viral or bacterial infections

Diabetes – Your risk of gum disease is increased because of having diabetes.  Your blood sugar may be harder to control if you do not have good oral health.  Remember, infections of any kind may increase your blood sugar levels.  The increase inf blood sugar levels damages the small blood vessels in the body.

Other conditions – Sjogren’s syndrome, certain cancers, eating disorders, syphilis, gonorrhea, and substance abuse