Why a Healthy Smile May Also Mean a Healthy Body

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Did you know that your body actually benefits from a healthy smile? Healthy teeth and gums will not only help your smile look its best but will also help your body feel its best, because inflammation in the mouth from tooth decay and gum disease can spread to other parts of your body through the bloodstream and cause health problems. What are some correlations from studies?

Gum Disease and Dementia, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke

–A bacteria found in gum disease, known as porphyromonas gingivalis has also been found in the brains of some people with dementia. It is thought that it might be easier for this bacteria to make its way to the brains of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

–Patients with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease or other problems in the mouth.

–There have been findings from people with moderate to advanced gum disease having heart disease and stroke, more so than people with healthy gums.

So how do dental cleanings help? And how do they work with your day-to-day habits? Your daily brushing and flossing remove oral bacteria and oral debris to create a healthy smile. If oral debris is not removed every day, it develops into a sticky film, called plaque. Plaque which is not removed daily hardens into tartar, and once plaque mineralizes into tartar it requires a professional dental cleaning to remove. Your dentist uses a special “scaling” instrument to effectively remove this hardened substance. In addition, dental cleanings and checkups also check to make sure you are in good health.

We are here to help you do what you can’t accomplish at home, with professional dental cleanings to make sure everything in your mouth is running smoothly. You can schedule a visit with our dedicated dentist, Dr. Brandon Burger and his team, by calling 615-889-8202 in Hermitage, Tennessee today!