Did you know that professional oral exams from your dentist in Oakton can diagnose up to 120 medical conditions? While you might think that seeing the team at Oakton Dentistry by Design, your dentist in Oatkon, only impacts your smile, you’ll be pleased to know that we help take care of your entire picture of well-being when we see you every six months. In this post, find out why regular preventive dental care is so important to your whole body, as well as your pearly whites.
How Does Regular Dental Care Affect My Overall Health?
Dr. Pasquale Giordano and Dr. Joseph Khalil know that maintaining good oral health can prevent diseases that impact your entire body. In fact, keeping your smile up-to-par can inhibit conditions like:
- Endocarditis – In this condition, bacteria or other germs from your mouth spread through your bloodstream and infect the inner lining of the heart (endocardium). Our team can get ahead of this by addressing the root cause in your mouth.
- Cardiovascular Disease – Most people are familiar with the research that shows a link between heart disease, and inflammation and infection from oral bacteria. By seeing us often enough, we can treat bacteria that causes problems for your whole body.
- Premature Birth & Low Birth Weight – Both prematurity and low birth weight have been shown to be related to gum disease that can be treated and prevented with regular dental care.
- Alzheimer’s Disease – Oral bacteria that enters the bloodstream or the nerve channels in the skull can lead to forms of dementia. See us to help prevent this serious condition.
- Osteoporosis – In this condition, the bones become weak and brittle, which is connected to the reduction of jawbone tissue. And, since your teeth are bones, they can be affected by this condition, and can break or chip easily. We can help treat the oral issues caused by osteoporosis and help strengthen your natural teeth.
How Can I Protect My Smile & My Health?
To keep your smile healthy and make sure the rest of your body stays in perfect shape, follow these three tips from your premier family dentist in Oakton:
- 2x2x2 – Brush your teeth gently for two minutes, twice a day – and floss when you brush. Just like you visit your doctor for checkups, and visit us at least twice a year for exams and cleanings.
- Eat Healthy – Sugar can do a lot of damage – to your teeth, your waistline, and your hormones. Limit sweets and carbs in both foods and beverages. Eliminate sodas, and stick to water. Enjoy high-protein snacks, leafy greens that are packed with calcium, and say cheese, since dairy products are great for your whole body.
- Don’t Smoke – If you use any type of tobacco products, stop now. You’ll drastically reduce your risk of oral cancer, in addition to ending bad breath and preventing unsightly discoloration.
Now that you know how your oral health is linked to your overall health, schedule your appointment with Oakton Dentistry by Design today to keep your smile – and your entire body – in great condition!