How Oral Health Affects More than Just Your Teeth

When most people think of a dentist, they think of teeth, but if you look a little further you will see that keeping your teeth in the best possible condition is just one part of what happens at the dentist’s office in San Diego, CA. Along with absolutely necessary preventive care to keep tooth decay at bay are many other oral health benefits provided by a family dentist in Encinitas, CA. We are concerned and involved in all facets of care for your oral structures, and we know that your oral health can affect other body systems.

Why Gum Care is So Important

All things considered, it is relatively easy to brush harmful bacteria from hard tooth surfaces. With daily brushing and flossing, and twice-yearly checkups in our office, we can remove tartar and inspect teeth for any signs of decay. If we see a cavity, we can gently clean it out, and use a tooth colored filling to restore the tooth to health.  However, bacteria also gets under the gums, and this position is much harder to clean, and can be an avenue for the bacteria to penetrate deeper.

Travel from the Gums, to the Bloodstream

When bacteria is not removed from the gumline, it can proceed down the tooth root, eventually getting in the bloodstream, and circulating throughout the body systems. Until fairly recently, it was not as clear that oral bacteria could migrate to other body systems, and affect systemic health including heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, rheumatoid arthritis and more. Recent studies show distinct correlations between periodontal disease and risk factors for systemic diseases.

What You Can Do To Promote Oral Health

Your daily home care is an important factor in your overall oral health. Keeping bacteria cleaned from the teeth and gums are important. Eating healthful foods also benefits both the strength of your tooth enamel, and your overall health. It is also important to attend dental checkups with Dr. Kania and her trusted staff. We can monitor periodontal health, and offer solutions if we see any signs of early gum disease, before it can progress to periodontitis.

Good Oral Health Helps Promote Your Systemic Health

Our office is aware that the state of your oral health can affect your systemic health, in areas such as heart disease, diabetes and more. Keeping regular dental appointments means we can support and advise you on all your smile-related and oral health issues. To seek Dr. Kania’s expertise, contact her office today at (760) 642-0711.