If you’ve ever tried to change a habit or make a new one, you know it’s not easy, even if that habit might save your life. Twice a year dental cleanings and exams could help patients avoid numerous systemic diseases, and reduce health effects of some chronic illnesses. At Los Fresnos Dental Center, we know it’s not easy to start a new habit, but we hope you’ll consider six month dental checkups. You’ll see the difference every time you smile, but you may never know how many other benefits you received by maintaining your beautiful smile. Contact the caring dental team at our Los Fresnos, TX office to schedule an appointment today.
Systemic Disease and Gum Disease the Truth from Your Dentist, 78566
You may have heard about holistic dentistry or the mouth-body connection. A lot of the talk surrounding these issues centers on periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is an epidemic in the United States. About 50% of adults over the age of 30 suffer from gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease that causes irritation and inflammation in the gums. Left untreated, gingivitis can become more severe, a condition known as periodontitis. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that up to 20% of Americans suffer from moderate or severe periodontitis. If a disease effects more than half the population, it’s time to do something about it.
Gum disease on its own is bad enough, but the infection is the number one cause of tooth loss in the US and has been linked to numerous systemic diseases including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. A systemic disease is one that effects the entire body rather than just one area, and infections in the blood stream are referred to as systemic infections as blood pumps to all parts of the body. Patients with any level of periodontal disease are at much higher risk for numerous systemic diseases and infections as the bacterial growth and infection in the gums can easily enter the blood stream and effect other parts of the body. Some major systemic diseases and their connection to gum disease include:
- Elevated blood pressure – as infection and fatty plaque from the gums enter the blood stream, the heart is forced to pump harder raising blood pressure
- Heart disease – overtime the elevated blood pressure and buildup of plaque in the heart valves can lead to numerous cardiovascular issues
- Stroke – blood cells with fatty plaque can clog the carotid arteries leading to stroke
- Blood clots – fatty plaque in blood cells can lead to a buildup of blood platelets that can be extremely dangerous if they reach the brain or heart
- Oral cancer – 1 person an hour in the US dies from oral cancer which starts as a potentially treatable lump or bump in the mouth easily diagnosed by your dentist during a six month checkup
Chronic Illness and Teeth Cleaning from Los Fresnos Dental Center
Chronic illnesses like diabetes and osteoporosis are often effected by oral health. Having regular teeth cleanings can help you avoid problems with these illnesses down the line. Diabetes weakens the body’s ability to heal. A minor oral infection or sore can escalate quickly for someone with diabetes, but regular checkups with your family dentists and Los Fresnos Dental Care can help you avoid that outcome. Osteoporosis is often initially diagnosed by your dentist. Dental x-rays reveal weakening in the jaw and maxillofacial bones that may be indicative of osteoporosis. Early detection can help patients maintain greater bone density for longer than patients whose osteoporosis is advanced before detection.
Protect Your Children Dentist, Los Fresnos Dental Care
The dentists and staff at Los Fresnos Dental Care love kids. We strive to make every visit fun and stress free for your children. We know you love your kids and want to keep them healthy too. Your regular dental checkups can help your child develop healthy teeth before they’re born. Babies begin developing teeth about 3 months into gestation, and need large quantities of vitamins and minerals to support healthy development. Pregnant women experience hormonal shifts that can lead to a form of periodontal disease frequently referred to as “pregnancy gingivitis.” Your body fighting the effects of this infection can absorb many of the vitamins and minerals your child needs for healthy development.
Call For an Appointment in Los Fresnos and Beyond
We want your entire family to be happy and healthy for life, and that starts with regular dental checkups with our friendly dental care team. Contact the dentist Los Fresnos trusts to schedule your checkup and cleaning today. Our Los Fresnos dental office welcomes patients from surrounding areas Del Mar Heights, Los Cuates, Rancho Viejo, Laureles, and beyond. We’re worth the drive.
