While regular and proper oral care is important to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile, it also plays an essential role in a person’s overall health and quality of life.  A healthy mouth can help reduce a patient’s risk of certain heart and digestive conditions, in addition to protecting against decay, gingivitis, gum disease, oral cancer and more.

Dental conditions such as periodontal (gum) disease have been linked to stroke, heart disease and low birth weight in babies.  In fact, many systemic diseases are caused by an infection, sometimes originating in the gums.  These infections can severely affect major organs in the body and lead to diseases such as osteoporosis or bacterial endocarditis.

Many serious conditions can be first detected through an oral exam, making regular visits to the dentist valuable to your overall health.  Patients should see their dentist twice a year to keep the teeth clean and detect any potential problems before they spread to other areas of the body.

During a regular oral exam, your dentist can detect potential problems through warning signs like swollen or bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and more.  These symptoms can indicate early signs of diabetes, leukemia, cancer, kidney disease and more.

Practicing good oral hygiene at home is also essential in keeping patients healthy.  Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and receiving regular professional cleanings, patients can help prevent infection and disease, and maintain their quality of life.

It is especially important for patients with an increased risk of heart disease to regularly visit their dentist for cleanings and to screen for any potential problems.  Early detection of nearly any condition can help improve the success rate of treatment.   Patients should also let their dentist know of any oral or general health issues you may be experiencing.

For patients who dread visiting the dentist, realizing the importance of a healthy mouth often provides strong motivation to make regular appointments and help protect your teeth from serious conditions that can significantly affect your health and overall quality of life.

To learn more about the value of your oral health, call today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists.