You never skip those medical check-ups, do you? Then why do you skip those dental appointments? Recent research suggests that your oral heath may in fact reflect the condition of your body heath as a whole. When your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems. Research also shows that good oral health may actually prevent certain diseases from occurring. According to the American hygienists association, 50% Americans do not receive regular oral health care which is sadly true.
Poor oral health can lead to problems such as:
- Oral and facial pain. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, this pain may be largely due to infection of the gums that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss.
- Problems with the heart and other major organs. Mouth infections can affect major organs such as, the heart and heart valves can become inflamed by bacterial endocarditis, a condition that affects people with heart disease or anyone with damaged heart tissue.
- Digestion problems. Digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, and problems here can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.
- Seeing a dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth in good condition and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. Provide your dentist with a complete medical history and inform him or her of any recent health developments, even if they seem unrelated to your oral health.
In the event that you are unable to locate a dentist near you, send us a message in the form below and we'll be happy to help!