Your general dentistry professional knows that oral health has a strong connection to the body's overall wellness level. The mouth is the point of entry to the respiratory and digestive tracts, and the usually harmless bacteria that enters the mouth regularly can cause disease in those areas. Without sufficient oral hygiene to control the growth of bacteria, overall health can be compromised.
The health of your mouth and the overall health of your body are inextricably linked, with connections to a variety of health problems and diseases.
The connection between cardiovascular disease and oral health is not completely understood, but general dentistry professionals indicate that clogged arteries, heart disease, and stroke may be associated with infections and inflammation caused by oral bacteria.
Periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease, has been correlated with low birth weight and incidents of premature birth. Pregnant women are encouraged to visit their general dentistry office to ensure healthy teeth and gums during gestation.
Diabetics have a reduced ability to fight infections, which makes gum disease a real problem for those living with this chronic condition. Diabetics with gum disease generally have more difficulty maintaining a healthy level of blood sugar. Regular general dentistry visits can help with diabetes control.
This potentially life-threatening infection of the heart chambers' and valves' inner lining is caused by the spread of bacteria through the bloodstream. The bacteria attach to specific parts of the endocardium, causing serious damage to the heart's valves.
This disease causes progressive weakening of the bones and is linked to tooth and periodontal bone loss. Some of the medications used to treat this condition carry a slight risk of jawbone damage. As the prevalence of osteoporosis increases with age, seniors should remember to visit the general dentistry office regularly to maintain good oral health.
Bacteria in the mouth can be easily transferred to the lungs, which can result in pneumonia and other diseases of the respiratory system. Regular visits to the general dentistry office can help keep oral bacteria to a minimum.
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, patients often experience a decline in their oral health. People living with HIV/AIDS often experience problems in their mouths, including painful mucosal lesions. Other health conditions that have been linked to oral hygiene include certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, eating disorders, and Sjogren's syndrome, a disorder of the immune system that results in dry mouth.
To maintain good oral hygiene and protect your overall wellness, follow these strategies:
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Santa Monica, CA
The importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene cannot be overstated. The health of your mouth is strongly linked to the health of your entire body. Be sure to brush, floss, eat properly, and schedule regular general dentistry visits.
Request an appointment or call Santa Monica LiveWell Dentistry at 310-828-2440 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
A general dentistry approach to strengthening teeth often begins with protecting each tooth's enamel and making a plan to cover it if it is extensively damaged. Signs of enamel problems may present in the early stages with sensitivity to cold or sweet foods. Often, if this important outer coating cannot be strengthened enough to prevent…
The field of general dentistry involves taking care of the whole mouth, not only the teeth. Tobacco use is dangerous to your overall well-being, but your oral health is particularly at risk. When you smoke, your mouth is the first place that the nicotine and tar go. A general dentist sees firsthand the damage that…
Brushing and flossing are important parts of a good oral hygiene routine, along with general dentistry visits and avoiding eating sweets regularly. However, many people do not brush and floss enough or do not perform these activities thoroughly. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to get the most out of your daily oral…