Since knowledge is power, we enjoy educating our patients about many topics related to oral health. Read on to learn how your mouth affects your overall health, how aging affects oral health, and why kids need preventive dental care.

Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

According to Count Rugen in “The Princess Bride”: “If you haven’t got your health, you haven’t got anything.” By now, you know that annual checkups with your doctor and biannual checkups with your dentist are an important part of preventive care. But did you know that taking care of your body and taking care of your teeth are connected?

Failing to take care of your teeth and gums can lead to a myriad of health problems. In fact, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure are all linked to deteriorating oral health problems like gum disease. If teeth aren’t properly cared for, they are more likely to become loose and fall out over time. This can lead to additional problems such as food traps, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and certain oral infections. For these reasons and more, you need to be sure to stay on top of your daily dental hygiene. Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss daily. Brush your tongue every day. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet low in sugar and refined starches and high in vitamins and minerals, like those found in whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.

Aging Affects Your Oral Health

Older patients are prone to dry mouth as a side effect of certain medications. They also sometimes forget to take care of their teeth or have diminished dexterity that makes oral care difficult. For senior patients, dental diligence is the key to keeping their teeth healthy. Talk to our expert team about how to help yourself, your spouse, parents, and grandparents maintain strong teeth and gums throughout the aging process. Our office also provides many solutions to restore smiles with missing teeth!

Kids Need Preventive Dental Care Just Like Adults

Even though kids have temporary teeth that will be replaced with permanent teeth, they still need to maintain superb oral health habits. These baby teeth allow your child to develop proper speech patterns, to learn how to eat, and act as placeholders and guides for their future adult teeth. Starting to teach children about good dental habits when they are young is the best way to promote a positive association with the dentist and daily oral care. After your child’s teeth start to emerge, begin gently brushing them with a baby-friendly toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice. Additionally, provide them with a healthy diet low in sugary snacks and refined starches.