Your Dentist On Dunn Avenue Explains Oral & Overall Health

You hit the gym at least twice a week. You do your best to eat right – only indulging on special occasions. You wear your seatbelt. You’ve taken up yoga to help reduce your stress levels. Why? Because you know that when it comes to your health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But is there anything you’re missing when it comes to your overall picture of well-being? The team at North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, your premier dentist on Dunn Avenue, explains that your smile is crucial to your comprehensive picture of health. Find out how a great smile can make you healthier overall in this post.

How Does My Smile Affect My Overall Health?

Dr. Johnson and Dr. Baxter understand that maintaining good oral health can prevent diseases that impact your entire body. Keeping your smile up-to-par can prevent conditions like:

• Cardiovascular Disease – Most people are familiar with the research that shows a link between heart disease, and inflammation and infection from oral bacteria.
• Endocarditis – In this condition, bacteria or other germs from your mouth spread through your bloodstream and infect the inner lining of the heart (endocardium).
• Premature Birth & Low Birth Weight – Both prematurity and low birth weight have been shown to be related to gum disease.

How Does My Overall Health Affect My Teeth?

Systemic diseases impact your entire body, including your teeth and gums, so take extra care of your teeth if you have the following conditions:

• Diabetes – Since diabetes makes it harder for the body to fight infection, gum disease is more prevalent in people with this systemic condition. Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that “people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels, and that regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control” (2017).
• Osteoporosis – In this condition, the bones become weak and brittle, which is connected to the reduction of jawbone tissue. And, since your teeth are bones, they can be affected by this condition, and can break or chip easily.
• Alzheimer’s Disease – An oral hygiene regimen that deteriorates can be a sign of Alzheimer’s Disease. Also, oral bacteria that enters the bloodstream or the nerve channels in the skull can lead to forms of dementia.

How Can I Protect My Smile & My Health?

To keep your smile healthy and make sure the rest of your body stays in perfect shape, follow these three tips from our team:

• 2x2x2 – Brush your teeth gently for two minutes, twice a day – and floss when you brush. Just like you visit your doctor for checkups, and visit us at least twice a year for exams and cleanings.
• Don’t Smoke – If you use any type of tobacco products, stop now. You’ll drastically reduce your risk of oral cancer, in addition to ending bad breath and preventing unsightly discoloration.
• Eat Healthy – Sugar can do a lot of damage – to your teeth, your waistline, and your hormones. Limit sweets and carbs in both foods and beverages. Eliminate soda, and make water your beverage of choice. Enjoy high-protein snacks, leafy greens that are packed with calcium, and say cheese, since dairy products are great for your whole body.

Now that you know how your oral health is linked to your overall health, schedule your appointment with North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry today to get the complete care you deserve!