Someone’s smile is a feature that is incredibly crucial to their self-perception. It is integral to many aspects of our lives, from how we express our emotions and show off our personalities to the level of self-confidence we experience. But did you know that achieving a healthy smile and good dental wellness has benefits that extend beyond your teeth and gums? The mouth is a central point of entry to many of the bodily systems that keep us healthy. While it is often easy to view the mouth as an entity separate from the body, a wide range of general health conditions are impacted by the state of your oral health and smile. Here is where preventive dentistry plays a pivotal role in your overall health and wellness. At some point, you have likely heard the phrase, “a healthy mouth equals a healthy body.” Our team at DentalWorks – Concord operates on this principle daily as we strive to improve the oral health of our Kannapolis, NC patients and offer a basis for good general health. To give you further insight into this connection, we are pleased to provide the following information on how preventive dentistry can help maintain a healthy mouth that supports a healthy body and lifestyle.
WHAT IS PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY?
Considered the portion of the oral profession that is dedicated to diagnosing oral diseases, preventive dental care helps adults and children avoid issues including tooth decay and periodontal disease. By keeping up with preventive dentistry activities like routine dental cleanings and exams, you can often minimize the risk of further oral problems and protect your health and smile. Preventive efforts also include the practice of good at-home care each day, which includes thorough brushing and flossing techniques. This type of approach is key in creating a healthy mouth to support a healthy body. Incorporating preventive dentistry into your life can also reduce your chances of serious oral problems, like bone loss and tooth mobility, and the need for more advanced types of dental care in the future. During dental cleaning and exam visits at DentalWorks – Concord, our skilled team regularly screens for oral concerns to identify issues as early as possible. Treating dental problems in their initial stages can often keep you from experiencing devastating issues (like tooth loss) and requiring more extensive treatments to uphold your oral and general health.
THE LINK BETWEEN ORAL AND OVERALL HEALTH
Maintaining decent dental health might help to reduce your likelihood of getting certain overall health issues. To ensure you get the well-rounded health care you need, it can be extremely beneficial to find a dentist who will collaborate with your physician when systemic problems or concerns are impacting your health and wellness. Over the last several years, the link between oral and general health has become even more evident. Researchers have identified relationships between gum disease and a wide array of systemic medical conditions. Some of these health problems include:
THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF GOOD DENTAL HEALTH
Keeping up with a proper preventive dental care regimen with our office in Kannapolis, NC may help your teeth and gums to remain in great condition. Uncontrolled gum disease and untreated tooth decay often lead to tooth loss, which can significantly impact oral function. When teeth are lost, or if it becomes uncomfortable to bite and chew properly due to dental problems, you are likely unable to consume the types of nutritional foods needed to support a healthy body. As such, keeping your teeth and gums in top shape with proper dental care can allow you to intake the nutrients necessary to support your general health.
COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE THAT GOES BEYOND YOUR SMILE
The most effective approach to improve the connection between your teeth and body is to visit a dental care provider who’s dedicated to giving you general dental care. But it is also beneficial to partner with a dental team who will collaborate with your primary care physician or specialty doctor and take a multi-pronged approach toward assisting you in achieving a healthy mouth and body. To get started on a preventive dentistry plan, we welcome you to contact DentalWorks – Concord. Our caring Kannapolis, NC team has the knowledge and experience to help you manage your oral health and reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle that go far beyond your smile.
