General Dentistry and Gum Health: How Dental Health Relates to Overall Health

General dentistry goes beyond focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental issues. It also helps prevent chronic health issues, like diabetes, because oral health is closely related to overall health. Most of the bacteria in your mouth will not cause any harm when you take care of your oral health.

Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria populations in the mouth to reach unhealthy levels. Over time, these microorganisms contribute to dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. The immune system can then become compromised, which allows the germs to enter the bloodstream and reach the rest of the body.

How general dentistry links oral health to overall health

Health issues that have been linked to oral problems like gum disease include the following.

• Diabetes: According to the American Dental Association, people with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes and vice versa; diabetes leads to difficulty regulating blood sugar, leading to a person’s saliva becoming infused with sugar, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• HIV/AIDS: Cuts and sores in the mouth increase the risk of contracting and passing on HIV, which leads to AIDS; people with the disease also have an increased risk of sores developing in their mouth
• Osteoporosis: This health condition leads to weakened bones and affects the bone structures in the mouth that hold teeth in place, leading to tooth loss
• Cancer: Oral cancer can be the result of poor oral hygiene, so seeing a general dentistry regularly can help with its early detection
• Heart disease: Issues like clogged arteries and endocarditis have been linked to poor oral hygiene, and it also increases the risk of having a stroke

Maintaining good health through oral hygiene

Taking proper care of the teeth and gum reduces the odds of developing chronic health issues like heart disease and gum disease. The first step of good oral hygiene is brushing the teeth twice a day. One of these times should be right before going to bed because it gives patients a chance to get rid of plaque and food particles that have built up on their teeth during the day.

Flossing once a day removes plaque from teeth surfaces and the gum line. It also helps stimulate gum tissues, providing additional protection against gum disease.

Biannual trips to a general dentistry are just as vital because they give the dentist a chance to evaluate the condition of the patient’s teeth and gums. They can also perform preventative treatments, like teeth cleanings during these visits.

Protect your health by taking care of your mouth

Good oral hygiene protects your mouth as much as it protects the rest of your body. Give us a call or visit our Aliso Viejo clinic to set up an appointment at our general dentistry office.

Request an appointment here: https://www.alisocreekdental.com or call Aliso Creek Dental at (949) 362-3848 for an appointment in our Aliso Viejo office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Aliso Viejo, CA.