Dentist in Midwest City Links Oral & Systemic Health

Your teeth and gums do not stand isolated from the rest of your bodily systems. Of course, facial appearance, speech and eating depend on your oral health, but did you know that your overall health takes cues from your mouth, too? Dr. Steven Kendrick, dentist in Midwest City, believes general dental services, including preventive dentistry, keep all of you robust and hearty. Learn more about the mouth/body connection from the professionals at Midwest Dental Center.

The Health of Your Mouth Affects the Rest of You

The American Dental Association (ADA) says that current research shows a link between advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, and overall health. Periodontitis is an infection of the gums caused by plaque and tartar build-up at and below the gumline.

Symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Red, swollen, sensitive, bleeding gums
• Bad breath that does not respond to brushing, mouthwash or dietary changes
• Receding gums
• Deteriorating jaw bone
• A “long tooth” appearance
• Tooth mobility
• Tooth loss

Dr. Kendrick feels that the inflammatory changes associated with gum disease do not remain localized in the oral cavity but spread throughout the body and are linked to conditions such as:

• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Hypertension
• Type-2 Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Liver and kidney problems
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Complications of pregnancy, including low birth weight
• Osteoporosis
• Asthma

What Can You Do?

The ADA also says that preventive dental care is the best insurance against oral health problems and related systemic issues. As such, it recommends brushing your teeth for a full two minutes two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft brush. It also advises flossing in between teeth once a day.

What’s the big deal about at-home hygiene habits? These habits prevent accumulation of bacteria-filled plaque and tartar on and in between teeth and at the gum line. The oral bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease. So, as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Additionally, the ADA feels all dental patients should receive hygienic cleanings and check-ups twice a year. Again, preventive dental services keep smiles bright and healthy–along with your overall well-being.

With good oral hygiene, be sure to eat a well-balanced diet, low on carbs and processed sugars and high on fruit, vegetables, grains and low-fat proteins. Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day to cleanse teeth and gums and increase saliva and its beneficial enzymes.

Preventive Services

At Midwest Dental Center, Dr. Steven Kendrick and his team deliver the treatments which support good oral health. X-rays, cleanings, exams, sealants, fluoride treatments, oral cancer assessments, bite checks and more aim at long-lasting, bright smiles for the entire family. Be sure to schedule your checkup today by contacting Midwest Dental Center.