The mouth is a gateway to the body, and your oral health is closely linked to your general health and well-being. The condition of your gums, teeth and oral tissues often affects your overall health, and numerous studies have shown that poor oral health and dental conditions are linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as pregnancy complications.

A healthy mouth helps you receive proper nutrition, promotes your self-esteem and general well-being, and enhances social interaction. In many cases, your mouth provides an early warning system about problems to the rest of the body, usually in the form of ulcers or lesions, bleeding or swollen gums, reduced saliva flow, or bone loss. The bacteria in your mouth can also cause infection in other areas of the body, and systemic health conditions that affect the entire body have been known to cause or worsen dental conditions.

Our dentist and team encourage you to do whatever you can to keep your mouth healthy. Some of the steps you can take include:

• Brushing and flossing daily
• Keeping your regular dental visits
• Avoiding smoking or other tobacco usages
• Staying aware of your oral health and talking with our dentist about any changes in your overall health or your mouth
• Managing dry mouth or other conditions

To learn more about how oral and overall health are connected and make an appointment with our experienced dentist, give us a call today.