What motivates you to keep your smile healthy? Do want your pearly whites to stay attractive? Good dental health has benefits that reach well beyond your appearance, though.
Many patients don’t realize that by taking care of their oral health, they’re also taking an important step to keep the rest of their bodies healthy, too. Your routine checkups with your dentist are just as important as your annual physical with your physician. Daily brushing and flossing is just one more healthy habit in your toolbox, along with regular exercise and a nutritious diet.
You may be aware that gum disease has the potential for serious consequences for oral health, but some don’t realize that oral diseases have ramifications for other body systems, too. In fact, researchers have identified correlations between gum disease and other systemic conditions like diabetes and even some types of cancer. Gum disease can also increase a woman’s risk of pregnancy problems.
If you visit your dentist every six months, as recommended, you are taking a significant step toward reducing your chances of developing gum disease. Regular professional cleanings help to clear bacteria that causes gum disease, and if your dentist is examining your gums every six months, it will be easier to identify signs of gum disease in earlier, more treatable stages.
Likewise, an infection that begins in the teeth or gums can access the bloodstream, where it can easily spread throughout the rest of the body. This can even be fatal if the infection is not caught in time.
A healthy smile is also better positioned to help you consume a nutritious diet. Many of us take the chewing mechanism in our mouths for granted, but teeth play an important role in processing our food efficiently and effectively, especially when it comes to crunchy foods like fresh fruits and veggies.
Your oral health and your overall health are strongly connected, so it’s wise to do everything you can to protect them both. Be sure to establish a relationship with a dentist and take good care of your teeth at home.
To schedule your next dental exam and professional cleaning, contact the office of Howl Dental at 918-749-1626 today.