You may not realize it, but when you see your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings, along with being diligent about oral hygiene at home, you’re doing your entire body a huge favor! It may sound cliché, but a healthy mouth truly is the gateway to a healthy body.
Inflammation in the gum tissue appears to be correlated with systemic health conditions that are also marked by inflammation, such as diabetes and heart disease. Pregnant women who have active gum disease also appear to be a greater risk for complications like preeclampsia and premature birth.
Therefore, patients should do everything possible to minimize their risk of gum disease. In order to limit inflammation in your gum tissue, you must be conscientious about keeping oral bacteria at bay. The first step to doing that is by brushing and flossing each day as recommended by your dentist. Make sure you’re using correct technique and brushing for long enough (two minutes) every time. You should also be brushing twice a day.
Home oral hygiene alone is not enough, however. You must get professional care from a dentist and cleanings from a hygienist. The cleanings will help to remove plaque and tartar buildup from areas of your smile that you can’t reach easily with your toothbrush. Additionally, having your teeth and gums examined by a professional every six months makes it much more likely that you will catch any oral diseases in their earliest stages, when they can be treated more easily.
In addition to the apparent links between gum disease and other health issues, infections that begin in the mouth can easily travel through the bloodstream to spread to other parts of the body. Again, keeping oral bacteria in check can help prevent this outcome, as well.
Stay on track with semi-annual checkups and cleanings at our office to keep your mouth as healthy as possible, and the rest of your body will benefit too. Has it been more than six months since your last appointment? Call us today to schedule a visit!
