Plano Dentist Explains: Why Your Teeth are a Marker of Overall Health

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Your mouth can be a window into how your body is doing. Many maladies are reflected in your oral health; as such, you should keep a watchful eye and do all you can to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.

By understanding the relationship between your oral health and the rest of your body, you may see early warnings of health problems in the making. Having that early warning may be all you need to put a stop to it before it develops into a bigger problem.

Here are a few of the health concerns that can be reflected in your oral health.

Cardiovascular Disease

Research indicates that cardiovascular-related problems like strokes, heart attacks and clogged arteries may be somehow linked to the inflammation that oral bacteria may cause. The link between oral health and cardiovascular disease is not yet fully understood, but we know that one reflects the other. Even endocarditis, an infection of the inside lining of the heart’s chambers and valves, usually takes place when germs and bacteria from places like your mouth spread through the blood and to the heart.

Other Risks

Many other diseases have a link to your gums and teeth. Periodontitis, for example, is linked to low birth weights and even premature births. We know that bacteria from the mouth can reach the lungs and cause respiratory problems and even pneumonia. Alzheimer\’s disease is also linked to poor oral health; the cause for this correlation is not understood, however.

On the flip side of that coin, other diseases may cause complications in the oral department. Diabetes is known to lower one’s resistance to infection, putting your gums at higher risk. The severity of gum disease tends to be higher with diabetes patients. 

HIV can cause lesions in the mucosal area as well as other problems. Osteoporosis can also wreak havoc on your teeth and bone, causing bone and sometimes tooth loss.

\"Happy Happy Mouth, Healthy Body

Will keeping your mouth in excellent health prevent these diseases? Any Plano dentist will tell you that It will undoubtedly help. 

You should make sure to practice oral hygiene every day. You should brush your teeth a couple of times a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Floss daily and finish your oral hygiene routine by rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing.  

What you eat is almost as crucial as your hygiene. Some foods can hurt your teeth while others help them. You should avoid or limit your sugar intake as this is a known cause for decay. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly and remember that your oral health can act as an early warning system and that by investing in its care, you are investing in your overall health.

Call Today For an Appointment With Dr. David H. Wilhite, The Premier Plano Dentist

Your oral health should not be trusted to just anyone, so make sure you choose wisely.

Dr. Wilhite is highly educated and has a mastership in the academy of general dentistry; fewer than 1% of all dentists can make this claim. With Dr. Wilhite, you are in the best possible hands. 

Contact us at 972-964-3774 or visit our contact page.

Get An Appointment Today!

If you’re looking for the most skilled and dependable dentist in Texas, look no further than Dr. Wilhite. With unrivaled expertise, countless awards and accolades, and a deep commitment to his patients, there isn’t a challenge Dr. Wilhite can’t handle. Now that you know what to expect from your first visit with the dental offices of Dr. Wilhite in Plano, TX, it’s time to set up your appointment.