Our bodies are like intricate puzzles, providing many clues to the status of our overall health. Just as a doctor may look to symptoms like unexplained weight loss, skin pallor, thinning hair, and shortness of breath to gauge one’s wellness, our mouths can also provide warning signs that should not be overlooked. As the great Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By prioritizing your oral health and pursuing preventative measures, you're taking proactive steps towards a healthier future.
The Foundation of Wellness:Oral Health Basics
During every visit to the dentist, chances are, the importance of brushing and flossing regularly is stressed. While appearances are important, this encouragement of healthy practices goes far beyond simply maintaining a bright, white, and shiny smile. There may be issues at play that you can’t see when you look in the mirror. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, our mouths are filled with germs. Those same mouths provide a direct route to our digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems. By maintaining a daily regimen of brushing at least two times and flossing at least once, you’ll help diminish the amount of plaque buildup and harmful germs in your mouth. Solid oral health practices provide a firm foundation for overall wellness.
Beyond the Mouth: How OralHealth Affects the Body
Since your mouth is a gateway to several vital systems, it’s essential to understand how spotty or poor oral health practices may lead to health issues elsewhere in your body. According to Mayo Clinic, there is a fundamental relationship between oral health and chronic diseases. For instance, a buildup of oral germs may lead to swelling gums, which could eventually lead to periodontal disease. That infection can find its way to other parts of the body – whether through swallowing or the bloodstream. This may lead to cardiovascular disease or endocarditis – an infection of the inner lining of the heart’s valves that could prove deadly. Germs that find their way to the lungs may lead to pneumonia or other respiratory diseases. Gum disease has also been linked to low birth weights in pregnant women, certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. If you have diabetes or HIV/AIDS, you need to be particularly vigilant about your oral health, as gum disease can lead to additional complications.
Preventive Measures and TheirImpact
Of course, good oral health comprises more than brushing and flossing daily. Preventative dental care should also include bi-annual checkups with your dentist for a professional cleaning, annual x-rays, and a thorough exam to check for signs of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. By identifying and stopping a cavity or the early stages of gum disease in their tracks, you will prevent those issues from traveling beyond your mouth and impacting other systems of your body. If you seek dental services in Suwanee, the dentists, hygienists, and office staff at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee welcome the chance to serve you.
Innovative Treatments atGentry Dentistry of Suwanee
To support your at-home efforts of brushing and flossing to maintain good oral health, Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee is proud to provide the following services under our preventative dentistry umbrella:
- Teeth Cleanings & Dental Exams
- Digital X-Rays
- Sealants
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Mouth Guards
- Pediatric Dentistry
Beyond preventative dental care, Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee offers a full continuum of care that includes restorative and cosmetic services. If your oral health is less than stellar, we can take restorative steps to get you headed back in the right direction. Our restorative services include ceramic crowns, dental bridges, dentures, and implants. In response to severe signs of tooth decay, we can also provide root canals and extractions in our office. Once we’ve restored your oral health to a positive state, we can discuss cosmetic measures like dental bonding, veneers, and teeth whitening, to name a few.
Building a Healthier Future:The Role of Comprehensive Dental Care
Finding a dentist you trust who provides comprehensive dental care and can work with you to build a treatment plan tailored to your oral health is paramount to your overall health and well-being. Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee would be honored to fill that role for you. Our full suite of services is designed to help our patients maintain good oral health and – when needed – address issues that may impact your overall wellness if left unchecked. We can also help you create a smile you are proud to share with the world with a variety of cosmetic services. Our whole health approach has made us highly valued among our patients, who run the gamut from toddlers to seniors.
To schedule an appointment with Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee, call 770-945-5850 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you as a patient for years to come. Together, we can protect your oral health and overall wellness – now and well into the future.
Source: Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
