Can Dental Care Improve Your Life Expectancy?
The body is a system that's interlinked, and it should come as no surprise that good dental health is a way toward ensuring good overall health and wellness. As such, it is true that your dental health can affect your total wellness, and good dental health is one way that you can improve your health and life expectancy.
We at Artistic Expressions Dentistry want to provide everyone in the greater Philadelphia area with the best possible dental health so that they can enjoy all the life has to offer. This is why we offer comprehensive general dentistry services with a focus on total wellness, allowing our patients to have healthy smiles and lead healthy lives as well.
Gum Disease Linked to Numerous Health Problems
Studies have found that gum disease is linked to a number of other health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. This isn't to say that gum disease causes these problems per se, but rather that gum disease is a sign of poor health and there is a correlation between these health problems and instances of gum disease.
Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss Can Lead to Serious Health Issues
When you suffer from tooth decay, you run the risk of experiencing a root canal infection. If not treated in sufficient time, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth, leading to much more serious health problems.
With tooth loss, patients may experience difficulties biting and chewing. This is particularly true with the loss of multiple teeth. Left untreated over time, these problems with biting and chewing can cause limitations with regard to the foods that you can eat and consequent issues with receiving proper nourishment and nutrition.
Dry Mouth and Bad Breath May Be Signs of Serious Conditions
Dry mouth and bad breath are not always a major problems on their own, but both are common symptoms of many different health conditions. This includes respiratory problems and various kinds of oral cancers. Getting proper dental care and having these issues regularly monitored by a dentist means getting the dry mouth and bad breath addressed as well as the root causes of these problems.
The Basics of Good Oral Hygiene Are Crucial
When it comes to maintaining good dental health and overall wellness, keep these basic oral hygiene tips in mind:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss your teeth at least once a night
- Stay hydrated with water throughout the day
- Wear mouth protection during contact sports and other applicable situations
It's also important that you eat a healthy diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and that you avoid snacking on candy and junk food between meals. It's also very important that you avoid the use of tobacco products as this can have a negative impact on your dental health and general wellness.
Don't Take Routine Dentist Checkups for Granted
In addition to good oral hygiene at home and a proper diet, it's important that you visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. This will allow you to get your teeth and gums regularly treated and looked at by a trained professional. Your dentist will be able to provide the type of care that you couldn't possibly provide yourself at home.
Contact Dr. Bruce Wilderman
For more information about good oral hygiene and how it can help you improve your general wellness, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Bruce Wilderman and his entire team look forward to meeting you in person and going over all of your options for advanced dental care.
