Do you know what oral-systemic health means? Perhaps you have heard this term mentioned here and there but you don’t really know what we’re referring to when we bring it up. Fortunately, if you’re keeping up with your preventive care at home and with our practice, this is something you don’t need to worry about. However, because remaining knowledgeable about your oral health is essential to remaining motivated about dental care, we invite you to become familiar with this topic.

Your Mouth-Body Connection

When we talk about your oral-systemic health, we are talking about the connection between your mouth and your body. The health of the tissues and structures within your mouth are not existing in a vacuum. Instead, they are connected to the rest of your body, actually making an impact on your general wellbeing. As a result, we encourage patients to practice excellent preventive care through dental hygiene, cleanings, and checkups not only to protect their smiles but also their bodies.

How Things Go Wrong

When your smile is healthy, you can rest assured that your oral-systemic health is in good shape. There are no “bad things” happening in your mouth that might negatively affect your complete system. However, when you experience a problem like periodontal disease, the bacteria within your mouth are unchecked, leading to tissue damage and often bleeding. Unfortunately, bleeding means bacteria gain immediate access to your bloodstream, which circulates throughout your system. The result? The bacteria once solely in your mouth (which have been inflaming your gum tissue) now have free run of your body. Avoid widespread inflammation by keeping your smile healthy.