When you think about your perfect smile, you might wonder how professional teeth whitening can brighten your teeth or how clear aligners can correct your overbite. However, did you ever consider how certain dental issues affect your health and well-being?
You may not have considered how maintaining healthy teeth and gums helps you stay healthy and live better. Your Germantown dentist can give you all the information you need to keep a beautiful smile and a healthy body.
What Is the Oral-Systemic Connection?
There is a direct connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body, and if one or the other isn’t healthy, it has a negative impact on the other; this is known as an oral-systemic connection. In simple terms, if your mouth isn’t healthy, it can cause diseases in the body, and if your body isn’t healthy, it can cause issues with your mouth.
If you think about it, your mouth is the gateway to your body, and it contains many bacteria. With proper dental cleanings and dental exams, this bacteria is kept to a minimum and doesn’t affect your body’s systems. However, when you have too many bacteria in your mouth, it can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, and that can contribute to many other conditions, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Endocarditis
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Pneumonia
Conversely, if you suffer from any of the following diseases, your oral health can be compromised:
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
What Can You Do to Avoid Dental Issues?
It is essential to visit your dentist two times a year for a regular checkup, but more detailed comprehensive exams can also help determine your dental health. During your comprehensive dental exam, the dentist or hygienist will conduct a very thorough exam that includes the following:
- Oral cancer screening — The dentist will look for any indications of cancer in your mouth.
- Periodontal exam — The dentist will examine your gums and look for signs of gum disease. If periodontal treatment is needed, your dentist will explain the process.
- Tooth-by-tooth exam — The dentist will look at each tooth and check for plaque buildup, discoloration, the condition of current dental work, and other tooth damage.
- Bite evaluation — The dentist will assess your bite pattern to see if you have any discomfort in your mouth or if your jaw is misaligned.
Do You Have Questions about Your Oral Health?
If so, we would love to answer your questions! Call Century Dental at (301) 972-1600, and a member of our dental team would be more than happy to help.