{"id":170,"date":"2017-11-11T00:11:24","date_gmt":"2017-11-11T00:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.groyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=170"},"modified":"2026-04-05T01:25:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T01:25:26","slug":"oral-connection-dentist-leesburg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leesburgdowntowndental.com\/blog\/oral-connection-dentist-leesburg\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Dentist Discusses the Oral-Systemic Connection"},"content":{"rendered":"
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I don’t need to tell you that you are what you eat. You already know that what you put in your mouth affects the condition of your body. For example, you can have chips and dip or veggie sticks and hummus for a snack. You can choose to smoke… or not. These choices matter to your overall health. But did you also know that just the condition of your mouth plays a direct role in the health of your body? As your dentist in Leesburg, I want to help you have a healthy mouth so you can also enjoy the benefits of good general health. Read on to learn more about the connection between oral and overall health.<\/p>

The Oral-Systemic Connection<\/h2>

The oral-systemic connection is the terminology that dentists and doctors use to describe the close link between your mouth and the rest of your body. In particular, the connection begins with oral bacteria that lead to periodontal disease.<\/p>

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the beginning and advanced phases of periodontal or gum disease. Both are bacterial infections that happen as a result of inadequate oral hygiene.<\/p>

The main objective of brushing and flossing is to remove plaque, the biofilm that accumulates in the mouth. Oral bacteria live in plaque.<\/p>

If not eliminated with daily oral hygiene care, plaque builds up on and between your teeth and especially along the gum line. With time, plaque hardens to become tartar or calculus.<\/p>

With tartar, bacteria adhere to teeth and need to be removed with professional periodontal therapy. Otherwise, the infection that is gum disease begins. Eventually, these bacteria can destroy gum, connective tissue and even bone tissue. Left untreated, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss.<\/p>

Oral Bacteria and Your General Health<\/h2>

The same bacteria that can devastate teeth and gums have also been connected to several bodily diseases and illnesses. Bleeding gum tissue is one of the leading indicators of periodontal disease. When this happens, bacteria have access to the bloodstream and can travel to other parts of the body. Likewise, a deep inhalation can draw bacteria into your respiratory systems.<\/p>

The conditions associated with oral bacterial infection include:<\/p>