Sciota, Pennsylvania
Are you familiar with the mouth-body connection? This is the belief that good oral health is a key component to good overall health. Conversely, if you don’t maintain good dental health, your total wellness will suffer. Read on as your Sciota dentists Dr. Brian Chiusano and Dr. David Miller explain how dental treatments can impact your health.
How does your mouth affect your overall health?
Your mouth contains millions of bacteria–some good and some bad. Maintaining a balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria is key to your oral microbiome. If your oral microbiome is thrown out of balance due to the presence of too many harmful bacteria, this may elicit a response from the immune system that causes systemic inflammation.
This systemic inflammation can be a precursor to multiple chronic and even life-threatening diseases, such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Memory loss that has been linked to Alzheimer’s
How does bacteria in the mouth impact the body?
The harmful bacteria that congregate in the mouth can filter into the bloodstream. This is more likely when a patient develops gum disease, a bacterial infection that develops in the gum tissue itself. Left untreated, gum disease advances into periodontitis, when pockets form around the base of the teeth, forcing the gums to recede, and multiplying the population of negative bacteria in the mouth. The formation of these pockets makes it easier for this infected bacteria to enter the bloodstream. From there, the bacteria can travel anywhere in the body: the heart, the brain or other organs. If you’ve recently received a heart stent or undergone joint replacement surgery, this harmful bacteria in the mouth can impact your recovery. Now, consider that approximately half of American adults are living with some stage of gum disease, and you see the importance of proactive treatments to limit the population of negative bacteria.
Dental treatments can protect your health
Good oral health starts at home. Make sure you are brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also floss daily, to clean the spaces between teeth that are impossible to reach with a toothbrush. You also should see your dentist in Sciota for a professional dental cleaning and examination every six months. You can further improve your oral health by eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise and making sure to get enough sleep.
Quiet Valley Dental also offers preventive treatments to improve your ability to fight off tooth decay.
If you have gum disease, we have a comprehensive program of periodontal treatments that includes:
- Scaling and root planing
- The prescription of antibiotics, such as Arestin
- The use of an antimicrobial mouthwash
Remember, if you have gum disease, this is a serious medical condition that requires treatment from a qualified and experienced dentist.
Comprehensive dental care in Sciota, Pennsylvania
Our team at Quiet Valley Dental is committed to helping each of our patients achieve good oral health. If you’re experiencing some of the signs of gum disease or you’re due for a checkup, contact our office today. We are accepting new patients. Find out more by calling (570) 992-7040 or go online to schedule your consultation.
