The health of your smile and overall body health do not exist in a vacuum. It is important to understand that making positive choices for your dental health eventually lead to a healthier body as well, and vice versa.
At the Century City practice of Dr. Richard Silvera, we provide patients with education on how dental and systemic health are related, and have made this guide to help them make positive choices.
The Importance of Achieving Excellent Dental Health
Neglecting your oral health can lead to the development of periodontitis, or gum disease, which will not only create discomfort, but can allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and respiratory tract. The presence of oral bacteria throughout the body has been linked to serious health issues, such as heart disease and respiratory tract infections.
Periodontal disease is also dangerous for patients who are pregnant or are attempting to become pregnant.
Look at the oral-systemic connection from the other side, diabetic patients are at an increased risk for periodontal disease due to increased sugar levels in their blood and an inability to effectively fight off infection.
Tips for Good Oral Health
Maintaining positive oral health is essential to overall well-being. Basic steps for good oral health include regular brushing and flossing. Patients who fail to do so are more likely to experience periodontal disease. If you are already experiencing signs of gum disease, it is essential to seek the assistance of a dental professional.
Fluoride can also be applied to help prevent tooth decay. If you live in a community that does not fluoridate the public water supply, be sure to use fluoride toothpaste.
Diet can affect the immediate and long term state of your oral health as well. Increased consumption of acid and sugar can weaken the enamel and lead to the growth of decay-causing bacteria. When eating acidic and sugary foods, rinse or drink plenty of water to limit the effect on teeth. Add more broccoli and other fibrous vegetables to your diet to clean the surface of the teeth while chewing.
The most important step when caring for your oral health is regular appointments with your dentist. Dr. Richard Silvera examines the current health of your smile and advises on strategies for better at-home care. Regular cleanings are also essential in preventing the accumulation of bacteria in places that cannot be cleaned by regular brushing and flossing.
Maintain Your Smile with Dr. Richard Silvera
To achieve and maintain the ideal oral health, contact the Century City practice of Dr. Richard Silvera today.