A Healthy Mouth is a Gateway to a Healthy Body

Do you brush and floss dutifully everyday but wonder what you’re really getting out of it? Along with regular professional cleanings and dental checkups, a thorough home oral hygiene routine helps to protect your health, and the benefits reach far beyond your mouth.

Because the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, it only makes sense that diseases of the mouth can cause problems elsewhere in the body. As a result, our Tarrant County dentists can help you maintain not only your oral health, but your overall well-being, too.

You may recognize the value of regular brushing and flossing and visits with your dentist for improving your smile’s appearance. After all, plaque and tartar buildup is very unsightly. But the greater concern about plaque and tartar is the bacteria they contain.

Those bacteria can wreak havoc in the mouth, causing inflammation that can progress into periodontal disease. In turn, periodontal disease can cause tooth and bone loss, potentially compromising a patient’s nutrition.

Research suggests that the inflammation associated with gum disease may not be confined to the mouth, either. Gum disease has been linked with other systemic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. There is also evidence that gum disease corresponds with problems in pregnancy like preeclampsia, premature birth and low birth weight.

Fortunately, patients can take steps to prevent these outcomes. Brush twice a day for a full two minutes each time. Set a timer if you need to, or consider an electric toothbrush with a built in timer. Floss daily, and make appointments with your dentist at least semiannually. Dental exams and cleanings at such regular intervals can rid the mouth of bacteria in a timely fashion, before it can do much harm.

If you smoke, quit. Steer clear of sticky, sugary foods that can hang around well after mealtime, providing fuel for the bacteria to feed on.

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists serving Tarrant County for and exam as soon as your schedule allows. It’s an important step down the path back to good oral health.