Taking care of your gums, teeth and mouth is more rewarding than you may think. Beyond achieving a healthier mouth (and maybe a high-five from your dentist!) having good dental health has a positive impact on the health of your entire body. You may be surprised to find out just how important brushing and flossing and your regular visits to the family dentist can have for the health of your entire body.
Understanding Clues: Your Mouth And Body
Did you know a swab of saliva can tell your doctor countless details about your health? While it’s easy to think poor dental health can only lead to dental health issues--such as cavities, tooth decay, or tooth loss--the truth is even small dental issues can lead to systemic health problems throughout the body.
What is Systemic Disease?
Did you know your mouth can serve as a helpful diagnostic source for exploring the health of the rest of your body? Systemic health refers to health that affects more than one aspect of the body. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, up to 90% of all systemic diseases show symptoms in the mouth. For instance, AIDS or diabetes are systemic conditions that often first show symptoms in the form of mouth lesions and similar oral health problems.
Surprising Evidence in Gum Disease
Dentists nationwide are finding a strong link between the presence of gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease, and health issues in the rest of the body. These health issues include risks for poor cardiovascular health, stroke, Alzheimer’s and pregnancy issues such as preterm birth and low birth weight. As more research begins to support these insights it’s becoming increasingly clear: oral health is a component of systemic health in the entire body.
Do I Have Gum Disease?
If your gums bleed when brushing, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. Gum disease is a highly common dental condition known to advance quickly if left untreated--yet it is often overlooked! If you have noticed a funny feeling in your gums, have sensitive or “itchy” teeth, or notice red or swollen gums around your teeth, it could be a sign of gum disease.
When gum disease progresses into its more serious form of periodontitis (resulting in tooth loss, receding gums or gums that bleed when brushing) it can be significantly more complex to treat. Don’t wait for symptoms of gum disease or a pain in your mouth to get worse--seek the help of a family dentist near you for quality dental care. Early treatment in preventive dentistry can support your smile and positively impact the health of your whole body.
Preventive Dentistry in Elm Grove
As your local family dentist in Elm Grove, Dr. Meinerz is committed to supporting healthier lifestyles in his patients by maintaining their positive oral health. From services in Invisalign and orthodontics, to dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, it is a goal at Honest Teeth to provide patients with the knowledge and insight they need to properly maintain and improve their optimal oral health. At Honest Teeth, caring for your smile goes beyond simply cleaning your teeth. Using gentle dental services with a focus on preventive dentistry, patients are able to smile confidently knowing they are taking big steps in improving their overall health. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment!