Dentist in Jacksonville Explains the Link Between Your Mouth and Body!

Everyone knows that good brushing, flossing and routine dental care keeps their mouth healthy. It’s easy to feel motivated by the idea that good dental habits reduce the number of fillings, crowns and root canals you need. But what if you heard that good oral health keeps your entire body healthier and also reduces your risk for many serious, life-threatening conditions? That’s a whole new layer of motivation! In this blog, you’ll find out why good hygiene habits and checkups with a dentist in Jacksonville will actually help you lead a longer, healthier life.

How Does Your Mouth Affect the Rest of Your Body?

Many people think of the mouth as being somehow separate from the body, but in reality, everything is connected. Countless studies have been done in the last 20 years that show that show a surprisingly strong connection between oral health and overall health.

Although the link isn’t fully understood yet, researchers think that bacteria and inflammation in the mouth spread to other parts of the body, including the heart and brain, through the bloodstream.

How? Plaque and tartar under the gumline are made of bacteria, which is the source of the problem. When people aren’t getting professional cleanings and brushing and flossing well, plaque and tartar lead to inflamed gums, also called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to gum disease.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease include bleeding after brushing or flossing, tenderness, swollen gums, chronic bad breath and loose teeth.

When the bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease spread to the rest of the body, it increases the risk for all of the following:

• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy Complications
• Certain Cancers

The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to improve the health of your gums and reduce these risks!

How Can You Keep Your Mouth Healthy?

Healthy gums mean less inflammation in your mouth, which then reduces inflammation in the rest of your body. Here are some easy ways to improve your gum health:

• Get regular dental care – Make sure you’re getting a dental cleaning in Jacksonville every 6 months to remove the plaque and tartar under your gumline that you can’t remove at home. These visits are also necessary to prevent, diagnose and treat gum disease.
• Establish good hygiene – Brush for two minutes, twice a day and floss once. And remember, you don’t have to be perfect. Of course, flossing every day is ideal, but if you aim for every night and only get to it 4-5 times each week, your gums will still thank you!
• Ask for help – Your dentist or hygienist can give you a simple flossing demonstration or recommend special tools that will make a big difference to your hygiene habits at home.

Remember, a healthy mouth equals a healthy body, so any time you can spend caring for your teeth and gums is well worth it!

About the Author

Dr. Sol Brotman sincerely cares about the overall well-being of his patients and wants to help each one lead a long, healthy life. In addition to providing outstanding dental care, he also educates patients about how good oral health will keep their whole bodies healthier. If you have any questions or would like to know more, he can be reached via his website or at (904) 396-4091.