The Connection between Your Oral Health and General Health.
If your eyes are the windows to your soul, then your mouth is the window to the general health of your entire body.
A dentist can tell if you are suffering from any nutritional deficiencies, or if you have any general infections. There are several diseases that can affect your whole body and may be detected first because of oral problems or sores in your mouth.
Your mouth is teeming with bacteria, both good and harmful. Some bacterial are linked to periodontal disease and cavities, which can lead to tooth decay. When a person suffers from advanced periodontal disease, this not only can cause you to lose your teeth, but this oral condition is linked with other health problems that you may not be aware of.
Cardiovascular disease, strokes and bacterial pneumonia have been linked to poor oral health. Women who are pregnant and suffer from periodontitis, an advanced form of periodontal disease, have been found to be at an increased risk of delivering premature babies.
There are easy ways to improve your oral health:
• Eat a well-balanced diet and limit sodas and snacks
• Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist
• Visit your dentist if you notice your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, you have persistent bad breath or if your gums are red and swollen
Practicing good oral hygiene is a great way to take care of your teeth, but also your overall health. If you don’t have dental insurance and have difficulty affording regular dental checkups, a discount dental plan may be the best option for you. AmeriPlan dental plans are not a form of insurance, but a membership plan that provides substantial savings on all common dental procedures, including routine checkups, cleanings and X-rays. To find out more about how you can save 25 percent to 80 percent off the cost of dental procedures, including dentures and root canals.
