Going to the dentist regularly helps you keep your smile healthy and attractive. These dental checkups also enable the dentist to understand your general health, even detecting signs of chronic disease. Your oral health mirrors your overall physical health. This is just one reason why dental care and good oral hygiene are so important.

When you have good oral health, your body is probably in good health, too. If you take poor care of your teeth, and they reflect this, you’ll likely suffer other health consequences. Scientists even believe that good oral health prevents disease.

Health Complications Related to Gum Disease

teeth and bridges - dental careThe Academy of General Dentistry reports there is a direct connection between gum disease and serious health problems like heart disease and stroke. Gum disease in women also coincides with preterm births and low birthweight babies.

Incredibly, scientists have also found that 90% of all diseases involving the whole body or many organs have connections to oral health problems like swollen gums, dry mouth, oral ulcers and gum problems. These systemic diseases include diabetes, leukemia, oral cancer, heart disease, kidney disease and pancreatic cancer.

When you visit the dentist for regular dental care as you should, your dentist can find problems in their earliest stages. The dentist often diagnoses health problems before other healthcare providers can.

Poor Dental Care Causes Health Problems

Not getting the dental care you need and not practicing good oral hygiene leads to bigger health consequences. These problems include oral and facial pain, conditions largely caused by gum infections, according to the Office of the Surgeon General. Your gums support your teeth, so infected gums leads to tooth loss. More than 75% of Americans suffer early gum disease, gingivitis, or advanced gum disease.

Heart and other major organ problems begin in the mouth, too. Oral infections lead to bacterial endocarditis, inflaming heart tissues and valves. This condition affects people with damaged heart tissue or heart disease.

Digestion problems as a result of poor dental care are a natural connection, since your mouth is where digestion begins. Problems in your mouth cause intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems.

Caring for Your Teeth

Regular visits to your dentist keeps your mouth in its healthiest shape, allowing the dentist to see early signs of other health problems. Dental exams reflect poor hygiene and nutrition, just as your dentist recognizes growth problems, development problems and improper jaw alignment. Even when your health problems seem unrelated to oral health, you should tell your dentist about them. A thorough medical history makes it easier for your dentist to recognize problems early.

Of course, you play a major role in your own oral health. Your oral hygiene routine must include:

  • Brushing twice daily for a minimum of two minutes and using fluoride toothpaste
  • Flossing daily to remove plaque from between teeth and along the gumline
  • Eating healthy foods for good nutrition and prevention of gum disease
  • Avoiding cigarettes and tobacco of all kinds, contributors to oral cancer and gum disease
  • Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings

Smooth Sailing Dentistry for Your Best Oral Healthcare

Smooth Sailing Dentistry in Orlando, Florida provides all of the dental services you need for your healthiest mouth, teeth and gums. Dr. Keith Mahan and his team of dental professionals’ services include:

For your best health and your entire family’s beautiful smiles, call Smooth Sailing Dentistry now at 407-841-7241 for a consultation.