The health of your teeth, gums and their jawbone influences your systemic health. Problems such as decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and improper bite impact how the rest of your body performs. Dentist in Medina, Dr. Allan J. Milewski, relates the connection between dental health and systemic well-being and tells how you can be healthy from head to toe.
A Healthy Smile and a Healthy You
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic maintain that the condition of your teeth, gums, bite, and bone structure influence your systemic health–for better or worse. That’s one of the reasons why Dr. Milewski and his team urge patients of all ages get semi-annual oral examinations and hygienic cleanings. Preventive dental services are foundational to a healthy smile and a healthy you.
During a routine exam, your Medina family dentist inspects for:
- Condition of restorations such as fillings and crowns
- Cavities
- Dental bite and alignment
- Proper jaw joint function (TMJ)
- Gingivitis and its more advanced form, periodontitis
- Oral cancer, one of today’s most dangerous health issues
Dr. Milewski understands that left unchecked, small oral health problems become more invasive, complicated and expensive Plus, they negatively impact the rest of your physiology.
For example, consider gum disease, or periodontitis. When sticky plaque and hard tartar accumulate at the gumline, soft tissue becomes infected and degrades rapidly. Teeth loosen, and underlying jaw bone recedes. The oral bacteria and accompanying inflammation contribute to devastating health conditions such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type-2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Endocarditis
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Pregnancy complications
- Asthma and respiratory infections
Even deteriorating crowns and fillings and a poor dental bite complicate oral and systemic health. When teeth don’t come together properly, headaches, jaw pain, sinus issues, neck and back discomfort and other maxillofacial problems frequently result.
Keeping Yourself Healthy
Dr. Milewski and his team highly recommend thorough, six-month dental cleanings for all their patients, whatever their ages and walks of life. Professional cleanings remove the plaque and tartar that contain the microorganisms that infect and destroy gum tissue.
Tooth scaling and root planing smooth roots allowing gum tissue to heal and reattach to teeth. The dentist can prescribe medications to cure the periodontal infection.
Also, Dr. Milewski concurs the American Dental Association (ADA): brush with a fluoride toothpaste and soft brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Combining proper hygiene with a healthy diet creates attractive and durable smiles. Fewer carbs and more lean meats, fresh fruits and fibrous vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy help teeth and gums stay strong and bright. Healthy eating builds better systemic health and is good for your waistline, too.
Please Come to See Us
Keep current with important oral health routines. Your smile will look and feel great, and so will the rest of you. Contact Allan J. Milewski DDS to arrange your semi-annual cleaning and check-up.