The Dentist, Teeth, and Maintaining Overall Health

You may not think about it in these terms, but any dentist will tell you that maintaining a healthy smile can go a long way when it comes to maintaining your overall health. Even today, study after study has been done proving the link between good oral health and the overall health of the body. A regular and regimented daily brushing routine, along with regular trips to the dentist, can not only help prevent infections and cavities in the mouth, they may be able to make a big difference in your continued avoidance of more serious illnesses.

One reason for this link is a substance called biofilm. This is a colorless substance that collects on the teeth. In everyday terms, we refer to this substance as plaque. Brushing and flossing can go a long way to remove biofilm, but it’s not enough. To really make sure it stays off the teeth, you need to see the dentist every six months and have a professional teeth cleaning performed. It’s important to remember that shiny, gleaming white teeth may look nice, it’s not necessarily indicative of overall oral health. So while teeth whitening systems available at the drugstore may help you to look your best, they don’t do anything to improve the health of your teeth.

Why is biofilm, or plaque, so necessary to get rid of? Well, it can contribute to various forms of gum disease, which can in turn lead to more serious health problems elsewhere in the body. Gum disease comes in a few different forms, including periodontitis and gingivitis. Gingivitis is an early stage of the disease, and it affects the gums exclusively. When a person is infected with gingivitis, their gums usually bleed easily and they take on a swollen appearance. If left untreated, this can turn into periodontitis, moving below the gumline. When this sets in, it can lead to much more serious health problems, including heart disease and complications with pregnancy.

There are many things you can do to prevent your oral health from falling into a state of decay. This includes following a stringent and regular brushing and flossing routine. This includes brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day. You should also see a dentist at least once every six months for a cleaning and a checkup. Examine your teeth and gums and make an appointment if you notice any bleeding or swelling that can’t be explained.