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Posted on 1/25/2020 by Office - Grove Street Family Dentistry |
 Most people understand the importance of caring for their oral health, but many don't realize the impact it can have on their overall health and well-being. Furthermore, dental health care providers can look for indicators in your mouth that can be related to problems in other areas of your body. Therefore, it's essential to learn as much as possible about the integral connection between your oral health and your overall health and how to recognize signs of abnormalities, as well as know when you should schedule a visit with our office. The Mouth-Body ConnectionYour mouth is home to tons of bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, whenever harmful bacteria linger in your mouth, it has a clear entry point to your respiratory and digestive tracts where it can cause infection and disease.In most cases, your body's immune system, along with good oral hygiene, will protect you. But slacking in your personal care and not scheduling regular cleanings can lead to advanced decay and damage to your teeth and gums, where bacteria can grow and cause infections that affect other areas of your body. In addition, certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and painkillers can cause dry mouth. Because saliva is vital for clearing bacteria, the conditions these medications treat have an indirect connection to both your oral and overall health. What Health Conditions Are Linked to Oral Health?Studies have shown that inflammation and bacteria characteristic of advanced gum disease can worsen symptoms of certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, both of which have an effect on your body's resistance to infection and can cause oral health problems that further exacerbate their condition. Conversely, your dentist can gather clues during routine examinations to recognize previously undetected health conditions and diseases.Protecting your oral health is connected to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease as much as it is related to your overall health. The health of all of your body systems and processes is dependent on the health of all others in your body, including your oral structures and tissues. To learn more about how your oral health is connected to your overall health specifically, contact our office for a consultation. |
Contact Information4825 Grove Street Marysville, WA 98270 (360) 659-3200 office@grovestreetdentist.com Follow UsHours Mon-Thurs: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm Our office is closed for lunch between 12pm - 1pm Book AppointmentExisting Patients |
