Many people aren’t aware of the intricate way that your oral health is intertwined with the health of the rest of your body. If your oral health is suffering, there’s a strong likelihood that you have problems with your total body health and vice versa.

That’s why at Inspiring Smiles we stress the need for regular checkups. These regular visits allow us to monitor your oral health so we can provide any needed care in a timely manner so you can maintain not only a healthy mouth but also optimal total body health. Taking a little time now for a dental exam and cleaning can pay big dividends when it comes to the health of your body as a whole.

Dr. Barden and our team want to help you understand this relationship between your oral health and total body health so that you can feel good, look good, and prevent major health problems. If you have any questions or if you need to make an appointment, give us a call today at 770-738-4103.

Your Gums Tell Your Story

Untreated gum disease can wreak havoc with the rest of your body. Gum disease occurs when plaque is not brushed or flossed away and is allowed to build up around and beneath your gumline. Bacteria can continue to grow and can form pockets of infection that require professional deep cleaning to remove. Periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, can cause you to lose your pearly whites, another reason to have regular checkups.

Gum disease has been linked to an increased chance of heart disease, diabetes, and even premature birth in pregnant women. Of course, having diabetes makes it harder to control your blood sugar, which can in turn make your gum disease even worse.

Other conditions can also increase your chances of developing gum disease. Research has indicated that people with rheumatoid arthritis are eight times as likely to get gum disease.

The condition of your gums can also signal anemia, a lack of red blood cells or a lack of hemoglobin in the blood cells. If your gums are pale in color, it could indicate anemia. In this case, you should check with Dr. Barden, Dr. Birch, or your physician for help.

Dry Mouth is Mouth Than Just Annoying

We’ve all had a dry “cotton-mouth” at one time or another. However, if you suffer from chronic dry mouth, it could be a sign of trouble. Check with your dentist here at Inspiring Smiles to learn the possible cause.

Proper amounts of saliva are needed to wash away food particles that can get stuck between teeth and cause cavities. Without enough saliva, you run an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

You may also want to consult with your physician, as many common medications can cause dry mouth, including antihistamines, painkillers, and antidepressants.

Certain Health Concerns Can Cause Oral Problems

Did you know that osteoporosis can cause tooth loss? Just as this disease can weaken other bones in your body, it can have the same effect on your jawbone, leading to tooth loss.

But it goes both ways. Once you’ve suffered tooth loss, research indicates that you may be more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. Although researchers aren’t completely certain of the cause, they believe that chronic inflammation may be to blame.

People with AIDS and HIV may be prone to developing oral thrush, oral warts, fever blisters, canker sores, and hairy leukoplakia (white or gray patches on the tongue or the cheek). The reason for this is AIDS and HIV weaken the immune system and the ability to fight off these types of infections.

Habits That Can Wreck Your Smile

The role of stress on our bodies has been well documented. However, it can show up in your mouth in the form of teeth grinding. When we’re stressed, we tend to grind our teeth more, which can damage our tooth enamel. We also drink more and smoke more when we’re stressed, which can lead to other health problems.

Stress also raises the level of the hormone cortisol in our bodies, which is detrimental to our overall health. So, reducing your stress levels can play a big role in keeping your smile and your body healthy.

The eating disorders bulimia and anorexia can damage our smiles as well. Stomach acid can erode tooth enamel and could require extensive dental work to repair. Anorexia can interfere with your body receiving adequate nutrition to ensure a healthy mouth.

As you can see, there is a complex connection between your oral health and your body’s overall health. Proper brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to see Dr. Barden or Dr. Birch, will go a long way toward keeping your today body healthy.

Call us today at 770-738-4103 to schedule your next dental visit. You can also make an appointment online.