Dental cleanings do a lot more than keep your smile white and bright. They can reflect on your overall health too. Your trusted team at Dental Care of Greensboro recommends twice a year preventive visits for patients with healthy teeth and gums, and in some cases, may recommend more frequent care.
How Do Dental Cleanings Safeguard Your Oral Health?
Oral care practices, including regular brush and flossing, can help keep your smile clean and healthy. However, some hard to reach areas in your mouth can harbor bacteria, and that’s where regular dental cleanings come in. When you visit our office, we will remove any plaque or tartar deposits and clean all those areas needing extra care.
Patients who regularly have their teeth cleaned significantly lower their risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease left untreated can advance to periodontitis, characterized by the gums pulling away from the teeth. That results in the formation of pockets that can become infected and inflamed, leading to a host of oral health complications, including tooth loss.
How Does Your Oral Health Affect Your Overall Health?
Your mouth is the gateway to your digestive system and respiratory tract. It is filled with bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, some disease-causing bacteria can wreak havoc on your health if they make it to other parts of your body.
Keeping oral bacteria in check lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers have found that patients who have had at least one dental cleaning had a 13 percent lower chance of a stroke and a 24 percent lower risk of a heart attack. That’s because professional teeth cleanings lower inflammation caused by bacteria and promote improved blood vessel function and blood flow.
Studies also show that periodontal disease directly affects diabetes and vice versa. Diabetes increases the risk of developing gum disease because the higher the blood sugar levels are, the more the risk of plaque buildup on the teeth. Periodontal disease, in turn, impacts the body’s ability to maintain optimal blood glucose levels, raising the risk of developing diabetes. So preventing or managing gum disease has a direct impact on diabetes management. And dental cleanings do just that!
Poor oral health can aggravate many more serious health conditions, including kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, and respiratory infections. It can also cause pregnancy complications and result in premature birth and low birth weights in infants.
Quality Preventive Dentistry in Greensboro
Contact Dental Care of Greensboro to schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning. We are proud to offer cutting-edge preventive services designed for a healthier you. You can always count on us for care and service that exceed your expectations. Call us and schedule your appointment today!