Importance of Dental Care
The start of a new year is the perfect time to re-evaluate your oral health. The past ten months have been difficult for everyone, and we want to be sure that you are taking proper care of yourself. With all that has been happening around us, it’s easy to understand why many would be more concerned with their overall health. It’s important to remember the link between your mouth and body. A mouth that is in poor condition is of little help in fighting off any disease that may come your way.
Many times, your mouth mirrors the conditions seen inside your body and gives an indication to a problem that might be brewing elsewhere. During a routine hygiene examination, we do more than clean your teeth, we inspect your mouth, gums, and tongue for clues that there might be a potential issue that needs to be addressed. When these visits to our office are forgotten or ignored, severe consequences may follow.
Lack of oral care and the growth of tooth decay and gum disease can also contribute and lead to diseases forming in the body. Conditions that can be attributed to poor oral health include:
- Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases – prolonged inflammation and infections in the mouth can be linked to conditions such as heart disease, clogged arteries, and strokes.
- Pneumonia – this illness of the lungs can be caused by bacteria in your mouth being pulled into your lungs. It is especially dangerous during this time, as a weakened immune system could be serious if the virus is contracted.
- Pregnancy and birth complications – gum disease, or periodontitis, has been linked to premature birth and complications of low birthweight.
- Endocarditis – bacteria entering the bloodstream from areas such as the mouth can lead to this infection involving the inner lining of the heart.
If you have not visited our office for a routine hygiene examination within the past six months, we encourage you to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment today. If safety concerns are holding you back, we want to reassure you that we have numerous safety protocols in place for both our patients and staff. If you have any questions about what we have added to our office in terms of safety procedures, please call, and we will be happy to discuss everything with you.
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins, your smile and your oral health are our priority. If you are located in the Denton, MD area, we look forward to seeing you in our office soon!
