Everyone wants to live a long and healthy life, but what if you’re overlooking an area with the potential to have an unexpected impact on your overall health? Dental cleanings and examinations do more than prevent cavities; they can also help you safeguard the health of your entire body.
How do Dental Cleanings and Examinations Affect My Health?
You know how important a role your diet, activity level and healthy habits play in keeping your body in good working order, but most people don’t realize how big an impact their oral health can have on other systems of the body. It’s also important to note the inverse is true as well; things you might not have ever considered to have the ability to negatively affect the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
Endocarditis and cardiovascular disease are two of the biggest concerns, as oral bacteria can and sometimes do affect the heart. The Mayo Clinic reports that clogged arteries, stroke and heart disease may be linked to infections caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria can also affect the inner lining of your heart, with endocarditis being the result.
On the other side of the coin is existing health conditions which can worsen your oral health, making dental cleanings and examinations even more vital. Diabetes, for instance, inherently lowers your body’s ability to fight off infection and leaves diabetic patients at a much higher risk for gum and periodontal disease. In turn, the presence of gum disease can make controlling blood sugar even more of a challenge. Regular dental care, including dental cleanings and examinations, can make it easier to manage blood sugar levels over time. HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease are conditions that also tend to go hand-in-hand with reduced oral health, making regular dental care even more important.
Protecting Whole-Body Health with Regular Dental Cleanings and Examinations
Regular dental cleanings and examinations help you prevent bacterial infections with the potential to cause serious health problems. They also help you to manage oral health when you have conditions that are known to reduce the strength of your teeth and gums.
At Pearl Shine Dental, we understand the inextricable link between oral health and whole-body wellness. Our expert care providers even offer extended hours to make it easier for you to establish and maintain a dental care routine, keeping your smile and your body healthy. Call today to schedule an appointment so we can work together to promote a whole-body approach to health and wellness.