“The best medicine of all is to teach people how not to need it” - Hippocrates
The eyes may be the gateway to your soul, but oral health is a window into overall health. "Good dental health not only protects against gum disease, gum inflammation, and tooth loss, but also can protect against many other age-related diseases,"."A healthy mouth really can lead to a healthier body."
A healthy smile
Poor oral health can have severe consequences. Research has shown that gum inflammation (gingivitis) raises the risk for lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel blockage, and strokes.
Tooth loss from gum disease (periodontitis) may raise your risk of dementia.
Poor dental health also can affect your social life. Insecurities about your smile can make you feel less attractive and less likely to socialize, which can increase isolation.
Rinse, brush, floss
Like other aspects of health care, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to your teeth and gums. Investing in proper dental care and upkeep is relatively inexpensive. Dental treatments are where it can get costly.
We recommend seeing your dentist every six months for check-ups, x-rays as needed, and cleanings. In between, you should follow a daily dental hygiene routine to reduce plaque buildup, gingivitis, and cavities. There are three basic steps: rinsing, brushing, and flossing.