At Ammons Dental by Design, most of our patients understand that poor oral hygiene leads to issues such as bad breath, tooth decay, and other oral issues. However, not everyone understands that oral health can have an impact on overall health as well. This is why it is critical to practice proper oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily. In addition, you should schedule regular exams and dental cleanings so that we can detect problems early before they get worse.
Most dental insurance plans will cover an exam and cleaning every 6 months. Our friendly office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage for all dental procedures before we move forward with treatment.
Poor oral hygiene leads to poor oral health- which can lead to a variety of overall health issues. Bacteria enters your body through your mouth and travels throughout your body, affecting your various systems.
There are several health conditions that have been linked to oral health, including the following:
If you have periodontal disease, you are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, as the bacteria that causes gum swelling can enter your bloodstream, causing damage. It can cause plaque to accumulate in the arteries, which can harden and block blood flow- which increases your risk of a heart attack. Periodontal disease has also been linked to endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart lining.
Tooth loss, often the result of poor oral hygiene, increases your risk of developing diabetes by approximately 11%. Diabetes is a condition characterized by the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar- which can result in additional health complications. In addition, once you have diabetes, your risk of developing additional oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
Women who are pregnant experience a variety of changes in their bodies and hormones, which can impact their oral health. When you are pregnant, you are more susceptible to gum infections, which means you must take immaculate care of your mouth. Gum disease can cause premature birth and low birth weight. Plus, any infections you have during this time can impact the baby’s health.
The bacteria that causes inflammation in your gums can also lead to inflammation in other areas of your body. Therefore, patients with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis as well. This is an extremely painful, chronic condition.
You’re probably already aware that poor oral health can lead to oral and throat cancers- but there are also other forms of cancer that can be linked to gum disease.
There are certain symptoms that are common in patients with poor oral health, including:
Dr. Ammons and the team at Ammons Dental by Design encourage you to practice good oral hygiene habits to keep your oral health- and overall health- in good shape. After all, your mouth is a port of entry into your body and if not properly cared for, can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. This causes inflammation in other areas, such as your lungs and heart.
Below are 6 tips for maintaining proper oral care:
The frequency of your dental visits vary based on a variety of factors, including your current oral health, oral hygiene habits, overall health status/medical conditions, and your risk for oral health issues. At the very least, you should visit every 6 months for a thorough cleaning and comprehensive exam.
Schedule your visit today with the team at Ammons Dental by Design. We have four locations to serve you: Camden, James Island, Downtown Charleston, and Summerville. Office hours vary by location. We look forward to working with you to improve your oral and overall health!
Ammons Dental By Design blog is proudly run by our South Carolina Dental Team. We love to share knowledge and tips about the best dental care and practices. Apart from running this blog, we offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care, and dental implants for the community in areas around Charleston, South Carolina. We have 4 clinics in Downtown Charleston, James Island, Summerville, West Ashley and Camden, SC
Monday – Thursday:
8am – 5pm
Monday – Thursday:
7am - 4pm
Tuesday – Friday:
7am - 4pm
Monday – Thursday:
8am – 5pm