Your Dentist Explains How Oral Health Affects Overall Health

You want your family to be healthy, so you’re careful to eat wholesome foods, exercise regularly, and make sure everyone in your household visits their doctor at least once a year for a checkup. But did you know that taking good care of your teeth and gums is also vital for promoting wellness throughout your body? Your dentist in Mesquite is here to explain the connection between oral health and overall health.

Gum Disease and Systemic Problems

Periodontal (gum) disease is extremely common — about half of adults in the U.S. have it — but most people don’t realize just how serious this condition can become if it doesn’t receive prompt treatment. If the bacteria that causes gum disease sneaks into the bloodstream, it can have a devastating effect on bodily systems. In fact, advanced gum disease has been identified as an independent risk factor in a number of serious conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Dementia
• Preterm birth
• Diabetic complications

The Consequences of Missing Teeth

Severe tooth decay and gum disease can both lead to tooth loss. While many people view gaps in a smile as a purely cosmetic issue, that idea is a dangerous misconception. The downsides of missing teeth go far beyond aesthetics. They can lead to such problems as:

• Difficulty eating a nutritious diet
• Bone loss in the jaw
• A misaligned bite and TMJ disorder

Oral Cancer: A Very Real Danger

Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Although the disease is generally quite treatable in its early stages, it can become life-threatening if it spreads into other bodily systems. It isn’t just smokers and older individuals who are at risk for oral cancer; anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or daily habits, may develop this frightening condition.

Protecting Your Oral Health

For most people, preventing gum disease and tooth loss is fairly simple. A key to fighting these issues is a solid oral hygiene routine that includes twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and a diet that doesn’t contain too much sugar or acid. Sticking to these good habits helps to fight the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth that might otherwise lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

It’s also important that everyone in your household visits your family and children’s dentist in Mesquite twice a year for a routine checkup and cleaning. They’ll look for early signs of oral health problems and help you address them before they become any worse. Additionally, they’ll provide you with personalized advice on how to improve your dental care habits at home.

A sound smile helps you maintain a sound body! Please stick to good daily habits and visit your dentist regularly so you can continue to enjoy an active, healthy life.

About Our Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we’re proud to provide preventive and restorative treatment to patients of all ages. Our team of specialists and general dentists is well-qualified to address most oral health issues. If it is time for your next checkup, we warmly invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment.