You may not realize it, but your dental health is connected to your overall health. Oral health is important for everyone, but especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or are pregnant. It can also suffer because of certain health conditions, such as dementia. The simple truth is that dental health matters to your health as well as your budget. The few minutes a day it takes to brush and floss not only improves your smile and your confidence—the time spent also helps you stay healthier. The following outlines several reasons why dental health matters.
Everything is Connected
Your body is a complex, interconnected system that is affected by many things — stress, what you eat and drink, hormones, and so on. The connection between oral health and general health is well documented. If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, you can not only get cavities, but also experience gum disease, which can have other health consequences. Regular dental visits help you avoid problems.
“Your mouth, stomach, and gut bacteria are all connected,” said Dr. Paula Kral of Dental Health Partners. “Bacteria in your mouth can enter the blood stream, which is a real problem. Gum disease is associated with diabetes and heart disease. Along with consistent brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings clear away the plaque and tartar that builds up and can cause gum disease.”
Gum disease is very specific to the individual, so Dental Health Partners looks at your overall health in order to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Start Dental Care Early
Dr. Paula and Dr. Ashley Kerslake help Cedar Rapids families manage their dental health, starting with babies and toddlers and continuing through adulthood.
“Kids should be seen by a dentist pretty early, because some signs of dental issues can appear by age 3,” said Dr. Ashley.
While babies don’t get dental cleanings, their oral health can be checked around age 1. This allows the dentists to monitor teeth coming in and any oral health issues that can arise. Your dentist will also help you as a parent to take care of your toddler’s teeth until they can brush their own teeth.
Did You Know?
Oral and overall health may change or be changed by:
- Pregnancy — hormonal changes affect connective tissue, including gums
- Diabetes — A1C levels can be affected by periodontal disease
- Heart Disease — poor oral hygiene and the resulting inflammation is linked to heart disease
- Dementia — forgetting to brush and floss can cause oral health to deteriorate
- Cancer Treatment — chemotherapy can increase tooth and gum sensitivity and saliva production
- Sleep Apnea — oral appliances can reduce snoring and enhance your sleep quality while also reducing your risk of cardiovascular issues
Good Oral Health Saves Money
Time spent on maintaining your oral health is time well spent—and it can save your family a lot of money! Better oral health can result in better overall health, so it can save money on dental care as well as overall health care. Setting your kids up for good oral health habits helps them throughout their lives to stay healthier and avoid the high costs of health issues.
Addressing Dental Anxiety
Maybe you are worried or anxious about visiting the dentist. Maybe that is why it has been years since you made an appointment with a dentist. Dental Health Partners is here to say, “That’s okay.” You are not the only person who has concerns. In fact, Dr. Paula Kral had childhood dental anxiety due to sensitive teeth, so she knows how important it is to address your worries and help you through your dental visit. Our team is knowledgeable in providing comforts to help with dental anxiety, in addition to gentle, pain-free services and treatment.
It’s easy to get back in with a dentist, even if you haven’t been to one in some time. New patients are always welcome at Dental Health Partners in Cedar Rapids. Our office is conveniently located at 4332 Center Point Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, near I-380 and Highway 100. And our dental care team is ready with the general dentistry services that will help you and your family take the best possible care of your teeth and health.
FAQ on Why Dental Health Matters
I brush and floss regularly. Why do I need to see the dentist?
Congrats! Regular brushing and flossing are important! However, seeing the dentist results in cleaning the inevitable plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque turns into tartar and tartar can build up, eventually causing gum sensitivity and gum disease. Removing these from your teeth helps your gums, which helps your health in general. To be clear, some people need more frequent cleanings than other people due to the unique biology of their mouth bacteria.
What if I’m anxious about the dentist? What if my child has dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is one of our specialties at Dental Health Partners. We look forward to guiding you gently through the process of seeing the dentist in our comfortable Cedar Rapids office. Call to ask us about how we can accommodate you and your child’s needs.
