Most people understand poor dental care can lead to pain, cavities, plaque, gingivitis, and halitosis. What many are discovering now is the link between oral and systemic health and how both can affect each other. Simply, if you do not take care of your oral health, you can face far more consequences than a mere toothache or staining of the tooth.

Multiple peer review studies and respected organization such as The Mayo Clinic, the CDC and ADA have highlighted the connections between oral and systemic health. Diseases such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, respiratory infection, and diabetic complications have all been linked to gum infection or periodontal disease. Bacteria from the inflamed gums enter the bloodstream, which then travels systemically. Scarier still is that oral bacteria have been found in the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier and altering normal brain function.

Oral health is key when addressing systemic health. Daily brushing and flossing, and routine professional dental visits are necessary for both oral and systemic health since the mouth is the gateway. Good oral hygiene can prevent serious infection, as well as help strengthen the natural defense systems in the body.

Good oral health consists of healthy gums, healthy teeth, proper bite, and a structurally fit mouth that can accommodate proper function, like breathing and chewing. Make sure to eat healthy foods and get proper nutrients in addition to practicing good oral hygiene habits.

Act now to prevent future serious disease that can ultimately kill you Ñ remember, people who keep their teeth live longer. Call Dynamic Dental Wellness Center to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning.