The Link Between Your Oral Health and Overall Well-Being
While it’s common knowledge that taking care of your teeth and gums is the best way to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, you may be unaware of the additional benefits to your overall health.
By seeing your dentist regularly, they can detect certain signs that signal any underlying issues. Also, when you care for your teeth and gums, you are ridding your mouth of bacteria that can travel to other areas of your body and cause systemic disease.
Your Dental Care as a Health Screening
When performing an oral exam, dentists also take note of any possible signs of systemic disease that can appear in the mouth. Your dentist will discuss any findings, such as suspicious sores, spots in soft tissue, and discoloration of the tongue that may need attention and make a recommendation for you to see your primary care physician or a specialist.
Some conditions that your dentist may be able to spot include:
Stress – Worn down teeth are a sign that teeth grinding is occurring, which is often a symptom of stress.
Diabetes – Gum disease that is resistant to treatment or progresses rapidly is sometimes related to diabetes. Ongoing studies show a relationship between these two concerns, as diabetics are prone to developing periodontal issues and gum disease can affect diabetes.
Premature Labor – Enzymes produced by gum disease are similar to those released during labor and can trigger early delivery.
Oral Cancer – Dentists are trained to spot suspicious lesions, particularly those that may indicate oral cancer.
Heart and Lung Disease – In the case of severe gum disease, your heart and lungs should be examined as there is a correlation between the bacteria that cause decay and gum disease and the risk of cardiac and respiratory infection.
A Look at Decay and the Bacteria that Cause It
Dental conditions can also affect other parts of the body. Bacteria originating in the human mouth can be especially potent and feed off the carbohydrates and sugars that are left behind after eating and drinking.
When these bacteria are abundant, they can be inhaled, or absorbed into the body through small breaks in your gums or other oral soft tissue. These are generally a direct result of inadequate brushing and flossing and can be exacerbated by systemic illness.
Affiliated Dental, Sierra Vista | Learn More about The Importance of Your Oral Health
Understanding the relationship between oral and overall health makes going to the dentist even more important. Proper dental care should be regarded as an essential step in ensuring the preservation of your total well-being.
If you are in need of a dentist in Sierra Vista who takes a comprehensive approach to treatment, call Dr. Andrew Kuntsman at Affiliated Dental today.