One of the biggest misconceptions we see in our practice at SMILE Advanced Dental Care is that oral health is ONLY about your teeth. But that couldn’t be further from the truth!

Oral health is really whole-body care, because the health of your mouth can be a powerful indicating factor for the health of the rest of your body.

Here are five of the most common health issues that can be co-related to the status of your oral health.

1. Diabetes

For those with diabetes, or for those who may have higher risk factors for developing it, oral health is critical. That’s because gum disease, which is an infection caused by the bacteria in plaque, can make diabetes harder to manage and control. Likewise, diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. 

2. Respiratory Health

Did you know harmful oral bacteria can actually travel to your lungs, which could lead to respiratory infections like pneumonia? It can happen — especially for those with compromised immune systems — so oral health is key in prevention.

3. Sleep Apnea

Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to daytime fatigue, cognitive impairment, and even more serious consequences like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, and more. At SMILE Advanced Dental Center, we are trained and experienced in the use of oral devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea to help our patients manage this condition.

4. Cardiovascular Health

Studies have suggested that there might be a connection between gum disease and heart disease — and it could be because of inflammation. Even though gum disease occurs in your mouth, the inflammatory response it creates can impact other parts of your body, including your blood vessels which ultimately affect heart health.

5. Mental Health

We cannot exclude mental health from this list, as dental issues can absolutely create a decline in mental wellness and self-esteem. Feeling self-conscious about missing or stained teeth — or simply being in discomfort because of an oral problem — can create a mental and emotional strain.

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For all these reasons and more, the positive impact of a beautiful, healthy smile extends throughout the entire body. Six-month dental check-ups and cleanings along with practicing good oral hygiene like brushing and flossing every day are of premier importance to not only keep your mouth healthy, but also ensure the well-being of the rest of your body!

If you need to schedule your six-month cleaning and exam — or if you’re experiencing a possible oral health problem — please don’t hesitate to give our office a call today.