26 Jun How Dental Health Can Impact Overall Health
Research has proven that oral health can impact your overall health. That’s why it’s more important than ever to care for your teeth. Scientists have done studies showing that certain dental problems can lead to other health issues such as strokes, heart disease, heart attacks, and additional infirmities. At Hicks Dental Group, we want you to have healthy teeth for a healthy body, one reason we’re all about helping our patients understand how dental health can impact their overall health. So read on, and make time for your dental cleanings and dental health.
What Can Dental Problems Do to Our Bodies?
When our teeth do not receive the care they need, bacteria builds up on our teeth, which then causes plaque and tartar to form. After time, that buildup of plaque and tartar can create tooth decay, halitosis, tooth loss, and many other dental issues. If left untreated, bacteria can even make it into your gums and create gingivitis, or worse, lead to more serious periodontal disease. Gum inflammation that continues unchecked can even move to your jaw bone, causing more serious problems that could impact or result in heart disease. Heart disease can trigger strokes, heart attacks, and other impairing or life-threatening conditions. Your oral health can also contribute to making diabetes more difficult to manage.
You may also be surprised to know that your mouth can also reveal signs of health ailments in other areas of the body. Spots on your tongue or inner cheeks can show signs of oral cancer. Your saliva, or the inside of your mouth, can reveal signs of diabetes. Our bodies are intricate and need healthy teeth, gums, and proper nutrition and exercise to function well and maintain overall health.
At Hicks Dental Group, we encourage our patients to embrace their dental health by booking biannual dental cleanings, practicing good home oral care, eating healthily, and exercising. In addition, schedule regular medical and dental checkups. We hope that our patients understand how dental health can impact their overall health, so that we can continue to see them live long, happy, and healthy lives!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/10/2018) kkinjo(Flickr)