A healthy smile is more important than you realize. For many people, oral health is at the bottom of their list of priorities. As long as they aren’t in any pain, it just doesn’t worry them.
But did you know that oral problems can affect the rest of your health?
Dr. Sarah Thompson of Dream Dentist discusses a few things you need to know about the mouth-body health connection:
Medications and Oral Health
Some medications and health conditions compromise your body’s ability to fight off things like fungal infections. Immuno-depressants and chemotherapy taken for other health problems are commonly linked to issues in the mouth. Many other medications are known to cause dry-mouth which encourages the development of cavities. It’s important to let us know what medications or treatments that you’re undergoing, so we can help!
Gum Disease and What?
Did you know that your overall health is also impacted by your smile? Researchers have established connection between periodontal (gum) disease and things like:
- Pneumonia
- Premature babies
- Heart disease
- Erectile dysfunction
- Alzheimer’s
…Especially critical is the connection it has with diabetes!
In this case, one condition aggravates the other. There is a higher risk of infection in general when you have diabetes. Gum inflammation impairs your body’s ability to utilize insulin. Sugar promotes infection. Get one under control to better address the other.
Preventive Dental Care is Not Just for Kids
Treatments to avoid dental disease are not just for kids! Many adults benefit from things like fluoride treatments and sealants. And you can’t forget about the “routine” procedures like:
- Dental examinations
- X-rays
- Professional dental cleanings
All of these routine steps can make a big difference in your smile’s future.
Schedule a visit Dream Dentist in O’Fallon as soon as possible, where we make comfortable treatment our priority.
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