How Your Dental Care Affects Your General Health
By Lucas Marrs | Published on April 14, 2011 | 0 Comments
While you’ve always been warned about the effect that brushing your teeth has on saving you from annoying cavities, you probably have not been informed of the general health benefits your dental care can have on you. A trip to the dentist is just as important as paying your general doctor a visit. Indianapolis dentist Dr. Lucas Marrs of Castleton General and Implant Dentistry explains that oral care can greatly impact your health on a whole.
In general, having bacteria sitting in your mouth is potentially dangerous. Gum disease has even been thought to be linked to heart disease. When bacteria gather around the gums, they don’t only cause problems in the mouth; bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream leading into the coronary arteries, thereby contributing to blood clots. Maintaining your oral hygiene not only prevents painful cavities from forming in your teeth, but may even prevent greater health risks. Dr. Marrs suggests going to your local Indianapolis family dentistry office at least twice a year to avoid excess bacterial buildup in the mouth.
The tartar and bacteria rooted deep within the gums can also potentially affect the state of your arteries themselves. Increased buildup of bacteria can cause hardening of the arteries, which may translate into circulatory problems. While festering bacteria in your mouth can affect your health, simple actions, like visiting your dentist for a cleaning, can reduce the risk of major health issues.
Dr. Marrs, who runs one of the most comprehensive Indianapolis family dentistry services, uses effective techniques to remove dental plaque and tartar from the teeth. His goal is to eliminate the possibility of tooth decay, gingivitis and the general spread of bacteria. Furthermore, says Dr. Marrs, having your teeth professionally cleaned and treated with flouride can make your teeth more impermeable to sugars and other causes of decay.
According to Dr. Marrs, taking trips to the dentist alone is not the only way to ensure proper oral health. The simple act of flossing can result in major dental benefits. Flossing removes the bits of food between your teeth that your simple routine brushing can often miss. When food is left sitting in your teeth, it will speed up the decay process. Dr. Marrs also suggests using mouthwash with fluoride every night to get to those hard-to-reach areas.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.