Oral Health Problems: An indicator of overall health problems?

If you are like many people, you might think of your oral health as separate from your overall health. After all, most dental coverage plans are distinct from health care coverage. However, your oral health goes far beyond being able to chew nutritious and enjoyable foods. Oral health problems may be an indicator of a variety of other health problems.

Links between Oral Health and Overall Health

In the late 1980s, researchers noticed a trend among patients who had recently suffered from heart attacks. As the Journal of the American Dental Association reported, they observed that these patients were more likely to have dental caries or cavities, periodontitis or inflammation around the tooth, and other forms of gum disease. Later studies found similar results, and dentists and doctors now recognize poor oral health as a risk factor for a variety of heart conditions, such as heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease.

There are even more links between oral health problems and overall health problems. Some individuals do not find out that they have Type 2 diabetes until a dentist sees that they have periodontitis. If you have diabetes, worsening periodontitis can indicate that your diabetes is not under control.

Poor oral health is also associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, poor oral health puts you at higher risk for respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, because harmful pathogens can enter your body through your mouth.

Take Care of Your Teeth

Keeping your teeth healthy remains important, especially as you grow older. Older adults are more prone to dental caries and other oral health problems, as well as to chronic diseases. While taking care of your oral health might not prevent a specific disease, a healthy mouth is a significant factor in your overall health.

You can take care of your teeth by continuing to brush twice a day and floss every day. Avoid consuming too many sugary and starchy foods, and drink water after each meal or snack to rinse your teeth. See the doctor for regular checkups, and contact Buttonwood Dental if you have any concerns about your teeth or gums.

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Buttonwood Dental

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Thursday:

12:00 pm-8:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am- 3:00 pm (every other Sat.)

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "I have been a patient of Dr. Jordache for over 5 years now. Could even be longer. He & his staff are all very Nice & personable. I always feel very comfortable with them no matter what procedure I've had done.. cleaning, filling or crowns. I Highly recommend them to anyone looking for a Great Dentist. Bye the way my whole family are patients my husband Chris & my twins Ethan and Elijah"
    Sherrie B.
  • "Hands down the best dentist I have been to! Everyone here is excellent, they are a small office and he really takes his time to talk to you about options and pricing ect.. great guy and office would highly recommend!"
    John A.
  • "Dr. Jordache and his team are the best! They are always very professional and you walk out with a Hollywood smile!"
    Andreea F.
  • "If you have a fear of going to the dentist Dr. Jordache and his wonderful staff will put you at ease. They take their time and are very informative. I highly recommend them."
    Carol R.
  • "By far my favorite dental office I've ever been too, I had great experiences with getting my teeth cleaned and fixed while attending UMASS Dartmouth and I still go here because I always get treated like a friend and family!"
    Alex M.