A Message From Dr. Luanne
“Creating Life Changing Smiles” Anderson Dental Group
Healthy Smile, Healthy You!
Does it surprise you that more than 8 in 10 Americans feel oral health issues are embarrassing? Maintaining good oral hygiene and showing clean, well-cared-for teeth when you smile can boost your self-esteem. Our teeth can influence how we look, speak, eat, chew, taste, socialize, and enjoy life. If you have a healthy mouth, you are more likely to have greater self-confidence!
GOOD ORAL HEALTH means more than a confident smile and fresh breath; it can also be the difference between life and death. Your mouth is a hotbed of bacteria, which can be controlled with good oral hygiene. But neglect your teeth and gums, and it’s not just your mouth that will suffer. Poor oral health can eventually result in the loss of your teeth, but the consequences may not end there. Studies suggest your overall health may also be on the line.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases produce oral signs and symptoms. When people have periodontitis, bacteria from the mouth can cause infection in other parts of the body. This can complicate an existing health issue or may even cause a new one. Research continues to strengthen the link between periodontal disease and various ailments affecting the body, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and preterm labor.
In one recent study, people with serious gum disease were 40% more likely to have a chronic condition on top of it. The link between oral health and overall body health is well documented and backed by robust scientific evidence. An unhealthy mouth, especially if you have gum disease, may increase your risk of serious health problems. A healthy smile boosts your mental health by boosting your self confidence. You simply cannot be healthy with an unhealthy mouth.
- Dr. Luanne Anderson