Your Smile Reflects Much More than Your Mood!
Is your dentist an important part of your overall health plan? You may not think there is a connection between cavities or gum problems and any other health conditions you may suffer from, but your oral health actually plays a large part in your overall well-being. Medical and dental researchers are learning more about the connection between the two, and it turns out that your healthy smile could help you avoid serious disease throughout your life. Here are four ways that good dental health can help boost both your medical profile and your general wellness.
1. Lowering the Risk of Heart Disease
The chronic inflammation that accompanies gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The good news is that treating gum disease can lower the risk. If heart problems run in your family, early prevention can optimize your heart health as you age.
2. Helping Control Diabetes
Those with diabetes are less capable of fighting off infections, including gum infections, so gum disease is very common in diabetics. Studies show that the presence of gum disease makes controlling blood sugar effectively much more difficult. If you are diabetic, controlling your blood sugar reduces your risk of developing serious complications.
3. Sharpening Memory
According to a report released by the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, adults with early stage gum disease consistently performed worse on memory and cognitive skill tests than their peers with superior oral health. Taking care of your gums may help protect your mental abilities as you age.
4. Helping You Have a Healthier Baby
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can predispose women to gum disease. Studies have shown that the babies of expectant mothers with gum disease are more likely to experience preterm deliveries and low birth weights. Vigilant dental care during pregnancy can result in a healthier mom and baby.
Maintaining good dental care will not guarantee that you’ll never have health problems, but here at Imagix Dental and Town Center Dental, our experienced team can help make those first steps towards an overall healthier mouth and body a little easier. Most dental problems don’t start with pain, so book an appointment today to help ensure your smile is healthy for years to come!
By: Josh Levenson, DMD
General Dentist
Town Center Dental/Imagix Dental
Suwanee, GA