Dentist in Kernersville on the Oral, Overall Health Link

You’ve considered the mind-body connection, but have you ever thought about the smile-body one? It may sound strange, but stick with us for a minute, because the link between your oral and overall health is more significant than you may think. People who brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly are more likely to be healthier in general. Why? Keep reading to find out more from the dentist in Kernersville, Dr. Veronica S. Walker.

A Healthy Smile Equals A Healthy Body

Research is mounting on the effect oral health has on overall wellbeing. When tooth decay and poor dental hygiene lead to toothaches or tooth loss, those gaps in the smile affect everything from proper nutrition to self-confidence.

As an entryway to the bloodstream, the gums also play a significant role in systemic health. If periodontal (gum) health is not carefully maintained, overall health is at great risk. An inflammatory condition in one area of the body is likely to cause inflammation elsewhere, and gum disease has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including…

• Cardiovascular disease
• Heart attack
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Memory loss
• Pregnancy complications
• And others

Eating Right for Your Oral Health

What you eat plays a big role in the health of your smile. Maintaining a balanced, low-sugar diet reduces the presence of acids and bad bacteria in the saliva and on the teeth. Alternatively, sugary foods and beverages and simple carbs (like sodas, snack cakes, and white breads/pastas) throw off the pH balance in your mouth, weaken the tooth enamel, and leave you at a far greater risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

Some foods that promote oral and overall health include…

• Low-fat dairy sources, like cheese, milk, yogurt, and kefir, contain calcium that strengthens tooth enamel
• Citrus fruit promotes collagen growth for better gum health
• Whole fruits over fruit juices, which contain added sugar
• Nuts and crunchy vegetables naturally scrub away stains from the surface of the teeth

Preventive Care Is Crucial

Maintaining good oral health requires solid dental hygiene practices, like brushing your teeth at least twice daily (though after each meal is better) and flossing once per day. Visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning is also vital for continued oral health. When we can your smile regularly, we are better able to detect the small changes that could turn into significant issues if left unattended — like the early stages of gum disease, new cavities, malfunctioning dental work, and even oral cancer.

Dr. Walker recommends patients of all ages attend a checkup and cleaning every six months.

Promote Good Health: Come See Us Today!

When was the last time you visited the dentist? Six month checkups and cleanings are a vital aspect of oral and overall health, so don’t skip out. Request an appointment with Dr. Walker today! She’s the general, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentist Kernersville trusts.