How Are Oral Health & Overall Health Connected
Sometimes, when we think about our oral health, we imagine it as completely separate from our overall health. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. As with all elements of health, how we take care of our teeth and gums can have impacts on our cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and full body health. In this article, we will cover a few of the ways that oral health is in lockstep with overall health, and some of the ways your dentist is able to track both during your regular dental exams. For dental appointments in Massachusetts, contact one of our three offices to schedule an appointment.
How Is Oral Health Related to Cardiovascular Health
The health of our teeth and gums is actually quite linked to our heart health. Bacteria on our gums can easily get into the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Making sure that you brush and floss and remove that bacteria can help improve heart health.
Oral Health and Respiratory Health
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the health of our mouths can affect our lungs. Bacteria in the mouth can easily find their way into the lungs and lead to a variety of respiratory issues. This is another great reason to make sure you are cleaning your teeth and gums every day, and seeing a dentist at least twice per year to get a professional cleaning.
Digestive Problems and Nutritional Deficiencies
Oral hygiene issues can eventually lead to a variety of health problems down the line. For example, if your teeth become significantly damaged, it can impact what you can and cannot eat, leading to nutritional problems. Likewise, the beginning of the digestive process begins in the mouth. Patients who have difficulty chewing their food can develop a variety of digestive problems.
How Can Dentists Help With Overall Health
As we have listed above, there are a variety of ways that oral health is tied to overall health. A dentist can help prevent these issues by providing cleanings and exams. Likewise, restorative treatments, including dental implants, implant-supported dentures, bridges, and crowns, can help restore functionality to a patient’s teeth. This can help prevent digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies. Of course, dentists also check for other health-related issues during their exams. It is common for dentists to look for signs of oral cancer and other health concerns when doing a regular checkup or exam.
Schedule a Dental Exam in Massachusetts
Varinos Dental Associates has three offices located throughout Massachusetts, including one in Winthrop, one in Peabody, and one in Newburyport. If you need to schedule an appointment for cleanings, exams, or dental issues, give one of our offices a call.
