Did you vow to take better care of yourself this year, by hitting the gym, filling your plate with more green vegetables, drinking lots of water, and getting more rest? If so, you are probably feeling much better about both your appearance and more importantly your overall health. But did you know that another great way to help care for yourself, is actually through preventive dental care? Sure, dental hygiene and regular checkups can help keep your smile looking its best. But your oral health can also impact the rest of your body. A lot more is affected by your dental care than just your smile, so this year commit to caring for your teeth and gums, as well as your body!
Why Dental Care Matters to More than Just Your Smile
You already know that great dental care can help keep your teeth and gums feeling and looking their best, just like working out and a healthy diet can help keep your body in great shape. But understanding how your oral health affects your overall well-being, can be a compelling reason to take better care of both your mouth and your body.
Because the soft tissue in your mouth connects directly to your bloodstream, infections or inflammation in the mouth can carry toxins and bacteria to other parts of the body, as well. This means that, while a cavity may first affect a single tooth, left untreated it can lead to an infection that could actually affect your entire body.
Preventive dental care, like regular checkups and cleanings, is the best way to prevent dental issues like cavities, thereby protecting both your oral health and your body.
So don’t skip out on regular dental checkups. For most patients, these should be scheduled every six months to maintain a healthy smile!
