How general dentistry affects your overall health and wellness. 

Healthy teeth is about more than a pretty smile. Your oral health has a significant effect on your health throughout your body, not just in your mouth. By maintaining healthy teeth and gums, you can make your body healthier from head to toe.

Our mouths have a population of bacteria that is usually harmless. Bacteria in our body actually aids with digestion and other biological tasks. However, when people do not brush or floss regularly, bacteria can reach dangerously high levels. When this happens, gum disease, tooth decay and oral infections can result.

There is evidence that the oral bacteria and high level of inflammation associated with the serious gum disease known as periodontitis can play a role in diseases in other parts of the body. Among the issues associated with poor gum health:

• Cardiovascular diseases. There are researchers who suggest that heart disease, stroke and clogged arteries are linked to the infections and inflammation caused by overgrowth of oral bacteria.
  
• Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. This can occur when bacteria from other parts of your body, such as your mouth, move through your bloodstream and become attached to damaged areas in the heart.
  
• Pregnancy and birth complications. Severe gum infection has been linked to low birth weight and premature births.
  
• Infections from abscesses. In some rare instances, severe tooth decay can lead to an abscess. The infection can travel to the heart, brain or lungs, causing severe illness or even death.
  

By protecting the health of your teeth and gums, you can keep your general health better, as well. Practice good oral hygiene daily to prevent overgrowth of bacteria. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice per day. Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. Avoid tobacco use, as this can cause irritation in your gums. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months to keep it effective. Limit sugary snacks, which can feed bacteria and increase their growth.

You should also have regular dental checkups and cleanings. If you notice a problem with your teeth or gums, call for an appointment right away. The sooner these are handled, the sooner you will be back to full health. We provide the general dentistry Sioux City IA needs for healthy teeth, healthy gums and a healthy body. Time for your checkup? Call to schedule today.