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Dental Health: Partner to Your Overall Health
Having healthy teeth and gums is important for protecting your overall health. In most cases, good dental hygiene and a healthy immune system prevent harmful bacteria from entering other parts of the body, including the digestive, respiratory, and vascular systems, causing disease. But poor dental hygiene can lead to having too much bacteria in the mouth, which can cause tooth decay, inflammation of the gums (or periodontitis), and other health problems.
In some cases, harmful oral bacteria can spread to other parts of the body and cause diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease from oral bacteria that may spread throughout the body and cause inflammation and infections contributing to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke
- Endocarditis from oral or other bacteria that may spread through the blood and infect the inner lining of the heart chambers or heart valves
- Pneumonia and other respiratory diseases from harmful oral bacteria that spread
to the lungs - Low birth weight and premature birth from an excess of bacteria
in the bloodstream that may affect your baby
People with certain health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, eating disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis, or rheumatoid arthritis may be more likely
to experience health problems as a result of tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, certain medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, and painkillers can reduce natural saliva in the mouth that helps wash food
from the mouth and protect against tooth decay and gum disease.
Tell your dentist about recent and chronic illnesses
as well as medications you are taking
so that he or she can develop a treatment plan
that helps protect your teeth and gums.
Tips for Healthy Teeth, Gums, and Overall Health
Having regular dental checkups is the best place to start
for protecting your mouth and overall health.
Seeing your dentist regularly allows him or her to thoroughly assess your dental health, recommend routine professional cleanings aligned with your personal needs, and provide state-of-the-art dental care to ensure the long-term health of your teeth and gums.
Ask your dentist how often to schedule your checkups
and professional dental cleanings.
Here’s what you can do to protect your mouth and overall health:
- See your dentist for regular checkups and at the first sign of dental issues
- Treating dental problems early gives your dentist and you the best chance for outstanding results
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristle toothbrush
- Floss your teeth and gums after you brush
- Rinse your mouth with a dentist-recommended mouthwash after brushing
- Replace your toothbrush after 3 or fewer months
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is low in all sugars, including refined sugars,
high fructose corn syrup and natural sugars such as fructose and honey- Limit or avoid sugary drinks, including soda and alcohol
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
It’s never too late to improve the health of your teeth and gums!
Want to learn more?
We have answers to your questions
and outstanding solutions for your dental needs!
Call 973-635-5522 today
to schedule your appointment.
Jonathan P. Mundth, DMD
Christian P. Mundth, DMD
