Did you know your family dentist can detect and diagnose systemic diseases in the body? It’s true: Dentists are our allies in keeping a smile on our face, and our bodies in good shape!
Get In Touch With Whole Body Health
When flu seasons comes around, do you sometimes feel too tired to brush or floss before bed? Think again. Research in recent years has demonstrated a definitive link between oral health and overall health. Because your mouth is a gateway to your body, keeping your mouth healthy helps keep your body healthy, too!
Get The Facts:
Gum Disease And Systemic Health
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 90 percent of system diseases (such as respiratory disease, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, low birth weight, and rheumatoid arthritis) display oral symptoms.
Before you skip a trip to the dentist, ask yourself: could you be missing something? Your family dentist can spot unusual developments on your gums, tongue, and teeth to develop a treatment plan that can benefit your smile and support good health.
The Inflammation Connection
Your teeth and gums are excellent gauges of your well-being. Gum disease and cavities, for instance, can indicate cardiovascular and respiratory disease, as well as diabetes. Loose teeth could signal the start of osteoporosis.
Researchers have discovered that the buildup of bacteria on teeth makes our gums prone to infection and inflamed gums. At this stage, you’ll notice swollen and tender gums, also known as gingivitis. But if the infection is treated, the inflammation will cease as well.
If left untreated, inflammation from gum disease breaks down the connection between your teeth and gums, and eats away at the bones that keep your teeth in place. This form of severe gum disease is known as periodontitis, and it can introduce issues throughout the rest of your body if it enters your bloodstream through the infected bone.
Why Your Dentist Is Essential To Your Overall Health
Regular brushing and flossing is essential to your everyday oral health, but your local family dentist is a crucial element in removing the plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush isn’t a match for. Every single one of us needs the professional touch of a dentist to expertly remove what our home routines cannot! Keeping your mouth clean of excess bacteria is the key to disease prevention.
What You Can Do At Home
Keep your mouth happy and healthy and the rest of your body will respond! Brushing and flossing to keep food particles and debris from decaying in your teeth is essential, as well as drinking plenty of water throughout the day to flush the mouth and avoid creating an arid environment for bacteria to flourish.
Treating Gum Disease in Oklahoma City
At Crossroads Family Dental, we perform gentle professional cleanings to keep your mouth swept clean of harmful bacteria. We keep a keen eye trained on your teeth and gums to monitor any early signs of disease or decay.
If you have developed a more advanced case of gum disease–whether due to time slipping by or another health reason–you’re in good hands! We have treatment options to restore your health and keep you smiling for years to come. Give us a call today (405) 631-0322 to schedule an appointment.
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