Total-body benefits of a healthy smile

How oral health impacts overall health

Beyond enjoying a beautiful smile - your oral health plays a much greater role when it comes to maintaining your overall health.

Why oral health is important

Oral health is not just important for the aesthetics of your smile, but it also plays a critical role in your overall health and well-being. Poor dental health can lead to several health complications and it can affect your body in various ways.
In fact, the connection between oral health and overall health is so strong that many healthcare professionals now recommend regular dental check-ups as part of a comprehensive health plan.

  • Prevent dental issues
  • Avoid gum infection
  • Help protect heart health

How to improve oral health

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your teeth twice flossing daily, and regular visits to the dentist help prevent dental problems like cavitiesgum disease and tooth loss.
By taking care of your smile today, you’ll prevent dental issues down the road.

Prevent dental issues

Maintaining good oral hygiene can minimize the risk of common dental problems from cropping up. When plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, it can lead to tooth decay and infections in the gums.
These problems are not only uncomfortable but can also result in expensive and invasive dental treatments. By taking intentional care of your smile now, you can minimize the risk of needing extensive treatment in the future.

The link between oral health and overall health

According to an article published by Harvard Medical, research shows that oral health issues can be linked to heart disease, diabetes and issues with pregnancy.

This is because bacteria from plaque and gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, causing inflammation and other health issues.

By maintaining positive dental health, combined with a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve a healthier body and mind.¹

¹Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Nutrition Source: Oral Health, United States, 2022. Boston, MA: Harvard College. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/oral-health

Overall health complications associated with oral health

Let’s take a closer look at how your oral health can impact your overall health and wellbeing. Interestingly, having poor oral hygiene can be linked to a variety of health issues. We’ll dig into the details of each below.

Oral health and cardiovascular disease

Poor dental health can lead to gum disease, which can actually be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because the bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation in the blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart problems.

Diabetes and oral health

Patients with diabetes are more prone to gum disease. Additionally, high blood sugar levels can lead to dry mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Oral health and other potential complications

Due to its inflammatory response, gum disease has been linked to complications with both pregnancy and Alzheimer’s. This is because when bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can trigger an inflammatory response, increasing the risk of neurological problems. If a pregnant mother has gum disease, the inflammation can impact the baby’s brain development. If a patient is more mature, gum disease could potentially increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Common oral health issues

Gum disease

One of the most significant and common health issues associated with poor dental hygiene is gum disease. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis and even cause teeth to fall out.

Tooth decay

Additionally, oral health problems like cavities and tooth decay can affect your overall health. If left untreated, these issues can lead to discomfort, difficulty eating, and even malnutrition.
Want to avoid these issues? Visit your Celebrate Dental & Braces dentist to maintain a healthy smile.

Why Our Patients Love Us

Hands down the absolute best dentistry in town!!! You can tell that they love what they do here.The energy is positive and bright. Dr.Lee & Michelle actually listened to me and made my whole experience beyond comfortable. I felt like they really wanted to help me. They care.They know how to communicate. Celebrate accepts all kinds of insurance. This place is a blessing.
They don’t make you wait 3 months to be seen either!
I had to add that my teeth look and feel amazing today. Dr.Lee went above and beyond!!!

Dr. M and Courtney were so great! My daughter is 14 months and this was her first visit. She’s also been teething so I was nervous of how the visit would go but it was super quick and went really well! I’m so happy our daughter has such a good dentist! They were so reassuring about all our concerns.

Dr Lee, Michelle, and the rest of the staff here took such good care of me. I had some major anxiety issues and they were so kind and patient with me. Highly recommend. 🙏🏻

My daughter is 11 years old with high anxiety. She needed her baby K9 pulled and her adult k9 brought down in its place. We had been using another local dentist but they could not handle her needs so I scheduled an appointment without knowing anything about it. They were very knowledgeable and had great customer service. They got her in right away and when we arrived the office was very spacious and clean. Everyone was super nice and by the end of her appointment my daughter said she didn’t even want to leave! Dr. M was very professional and he was vert gentle with my daughter. He took time to explain everything to her before he did anything. Dr. M took his time to ask personal questions about us, he made us feel like family and his staff is superb. We were referred to Dr. Lee for further evaluation but he too was very professional, knowledgeable and kind to my daughter. I could not believe, I have not heard of this clinic before now. I have now switched my family of 4, to have our cleanings and all dental work done here. I would highly suggest Celebrate Dental to anyone!!

Such a great environment! Dr. M, Courtney, and all the others that helped us were such wonderful people! They were very calm and understanding. Listened to all of my daughter’s concerns. The best part was that they accepted our insurance! Finding a good dentist who takes Medicaid is so hard and I’m so glad we found them!

One of the only dentists in Springfield that take adult Medicaid! I’ve always felt so incredibly welcomed by each and every staff member I’ve spoken too! They have been amazing at scheduling appointments and are even open on snow days!

Oral health FAQs

How does oral health impact overall health?

Poor oral health is linked to systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy complications. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, affecting various bodily organs and systems.

What role does oral hygiene play in overall well-being?

Regular brushingflossing and dental check-ups not only maintain oral health but also contribute to overall health. Good oral hygiene can prevent infections and reduce the risk of systemic diseases.

Can gum disease affect other parts of the body?

Yes, untreated gum disease may contribute to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It’s important to address gum issues promptly to mitigate potential implications on your overall health.

Are there lifestyle factors that influence both oral and overall health?

Smoking, poor nutrition and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect oral health and increase the risk of systemic diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can benefit your holistic health.

How does inflammation of the mouth contribute to systemic inflammation?

Chronic oral inflammation, often associated with gum disease, can lead to systemic inflammation. This response may contribute to various health problems, further emphasizing the importance of preventing and treating gum disease.

Can oral health issues impact mental well-being?

Yes, conditions like tooth loss or chronic pain in your mouth can affect mental health. It can possibly lead to excess stress or anxiety. Maintaining good oral health contributes to overall well-being.

What preventive measures can be taken to preserve both oral and overall health?

Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, a balanced diet and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking all play integral roles in preventing oral health issues.

Better oral health for a healthier you

Keep your smile in check by staying up on your dental visits.
Schedule an appointment at your local Celebrate Dental & Braces to achieve optimal oral health and overall health.

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