When you go to the dentist and get a clean bill of health, you may feel proud of yourself for taking the time to brush and floss your teeth. After all, prevention of cavities is so much easier and less painful than the filling of cavities! But did you know that taking good care of your mouth does much more than just prevent cavities, bad breath and tender gums? Let’s take a look at some of the other benefits you can enjoy with good dental health.
- Lower risk of heart attack and lung disease- When your gums and teeth aren’t well-cared for, they can release bacteria into your heart and lungs via the blood supply to your gums. These little bacteria can cause big problems, including heart attacks and lung infections.
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes– Many people in this country have type II diabetes, a condition where the body doesn’t make enough insulin or inefficiently uses insulin. When bacteria are introduced into the bloodstream, insulin absorption rates are lowered.
- Healthier pregnancy & conception rates– Women who have poor dental health can take longer to conceive than their dental-healthy counterparts, who can also enjoy a healthier pregnancy.
- Lower risk of cancers– Poor dental health correlates with higher rates of cancers.
Here at Northside Family Dental, we would love to help you take care of your dental health, not just to avoid the drill and filling, but also to increase your overall health! If you have questions about how to improve your dental health, please contact us today.