02 Aug What do your teeth say about your health?
Many patients seek routine dental care to prevent problems that may detract from the smile’s aesthetics. Indeed, dentistry does help patients maintain an attractive smile. However, the objectives of dental treatment involve your health and well-being, as well.
Certainly, modern dentistry has the tools and techniques—think dental implants—necessary to repair any damage that may be done to the smile. However, the factors that cause these issues in the first place can be indicators of more significant health problems in the mouth as well as the rest of the body.
Two of the primary concerns in oral health are tooth decay and gum disease, both of which occur when bacteria attack the various structures of the mouth. When they are present, both issues require some sort of dental treatment, whether it’s a non-invasive one or a surgical intervention.
Gum disease or decay may progress to the point at which an oral surgeon needs to be involved in a patient’s care. This is particularly true when the condition necessitates a tooth extraction and subsequent treatment with dental implants.
Even after undergoing a surgical procedure, patients still must take steps to prevent a recurrence of the oral health concern that caused the initial problem. In addition to affecting the patient’s oral health, gum disease has been linked to other conditions like heart disease and diabetes. So, a symptom like bleeding or receding gums may actually indicate broader health problems.
Many people say that a healthy mouth is a gateway to a healthy body, and this aphorism is true. The effects of the bacteria that wreak havoc on your oral health may also be related to other systemic conditions. Ideally, you can engage in a robust oral hygiene routine to ward off such problems. Even if you must undergo a surgical treatment for tooth loss or other oral health issues, make your oral health a priority to reduce your chances of a recurrence and more invasive interventions.
To learn more, contact our experienced team at Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center by calling 434-295-0911 today.