How Oral Health Impacts Overall Health

How Oral Health Impacts Overall Health
Posted on 01/04/2018
girl smiling at the dentist

At Maplewood Dental Associates, our mission is to help patients throughout the Maplewood, MN area achieve a beautiful smile. And while the dental treatments we provide help to safeguard the health of teeth, strong oral health impacts more than just your smile. Science has uncovered some interesting links between oral and overall health – and the relationship might just surprise you.


The Link Between Dental Health & Overall Health

On a basic level, strong teeth are an important part of many aspects of health. Teeth help you chew food for proper nutrition, keep the jawbone strong and healthy, and improve psychological well-being and self-esteem. Poor oral health can pose a threat to all of these factors, having long-term impacts on overall health.


But there's more to it than that. Without proper oral hygiene, the bacteria that naturally grow in the mouth can grow and multiply, eventually forming plaque, causing dental decay, and infecting the gums. This is where the real problems arise.


New studies suggest that the bacteria found in dental decay and gum disease may have an impact on cardiovascular health, as well. Oral infections can cause systemic (whole-body) inflammation and congestion, which threatens the health of the heart and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, the bacterial strains found in gum disease have also been found in the hearts of patients with cardiovascular disease – suggesting a potential link between the two.


Contact Your St. Paul, MN Periodontal Dentist

Oral hygiene and health is an important part of maintaining good overall bodily health, and the best way to safeguard your oral health is through regular oral hygiene and dental check-up appointments. If you have more questions on maintaining oral health, feel free to call us at 651-770-3831 and we'd be happy to answer them – or feel free to request an appointment online for a check-up. We can't wait to hear from you, and we wish you luck in maintaining a healthy mouth and a healthy body!


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