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| The health
of your mouth is important to maintain general health. Not
only are teeth important for eating healthy foods, but disease in the
mouth can be a risk for other systemic diseases. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease is now known to be a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Periodontal disease is also known to be a risk in pregnancy and is linked to low birth-weight, preterm babies. Likewise, many general health concerns can put patients at risk for oral and dental problems. Many medications can cause dry mouth, which creates a higher risk for tooth decay. Heartburn or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) increases the acid in a patients mouth, and increases the risk of tooth wear and decay. Diabetes puts patients at higher risk for periodontal disease and infections in the mouth. Hormone fluctuations can make patients more susceptible to gum disease. Other health conditions may also affect oral health, and we are always happy to discuss any of these at an office visit with us. Our recommendations for our patients oral health will also be linked to overall health. At all appointments, we will review your health history in order to make sure that every treatment we provide is completely safe for our patients. We may recommend that we take your blood pressure prior to procedures, and we may coordinate your treatment with your physician. Our specific recommendations for oral health include a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and very small amounts of any added sugar. Please see our section on diet for more information. In the mouth, cleanliness is especially important for health. We recommend brushing thoroughly twice daily and flossing once each day. In addition, we often make specific recommendations based on our patients individual needs and customize a home care plan that supports overall health as well as a healthy smile. Visiting the dentist at least twice yearly ensures a solid prevention program and allows early detection of any problems. Prevention of disease and maintenance of health are our highest priorities. Early detection of disease allows treatment to be most successful, and health maintenance can be resumed quickly. Our goal is to have you have a comfortable, functional, beautiful, healthy mouth for a lifetime. |
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