A trip to the dentist typically involves fillings, cleanings, and other routine services. But today, progressive dentists are spending more time learning and informing patients how dentistry and overall health are directly connected. For example, when patients are experiencing gum disease, their chances of serious health risks dramatically increases. This is known as oral systemic health.
The Benefits of Oral Systemic Health Dentistry
Generally, if your mouth is healthy your overall health is good. Why is that?
Consider one factor. Your mouth is full of bacteria that in a healthy immune system rarely enters the bloodstream. But if you have gum disease, instead of being eliminated, bleeding can allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream and may cause infections in other parts of your body.
As a mouth, teeth and gums expert, your dentist can identify symptoms of more than 120 serious health diseases such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- HIV
- Osteoporosis
- Oral cancer
Watch this short 2 1/2 minute video and learn how your mouth contains clues about what is going on in the rest of your body:
Patients are benefitting from increased longevity and vitality and are rethinking how to choose a dentist who thinks about oral and overall health.
Find a Dentist Aware of the Mouth-Body Connection
Not all dentists are aware of the oral-systemic health connection! A dentist aware of oral-systemic health dentistry is dedicated to continuing education and advanced research, like Dr. Madhuri Vanama in Issaquah.
Multiple organizations teach dentists to recognize these harmful mouth issues, including the Kois Center and The Wellness Dentistry Network, of which Dr. Vanama is a member of both. These groups encourage dentists to embrace oral systemic health and to collaborate with medical doctors for better patient health.
Learn More About Oral Systemic Health
Stay tuned for future posts by Dr. Vanama (and our articles in the Issaquah Highlands Connections magazine) where she further explains the mouth-body connection, including how oral inflammation affects overall health and what symptoms to look out for. You may be surprised by how your dentist can help you achieve total body wellness!
Were you shocked to learn about the connections between oral health and whole-body health? Share this information with your family and friends. It could save a life!
