Maintaining a close relationship with your dentist is crucial in order to maintain a healthy smile. In addition to ensuring you stay cavity-free, visiting your family dentistry clinic regularly helps contribute to optimal health for your body as a whole.  If you're curious about the connection between your mouth and total body wellness, here's a quick guide to review.

How Does Oral Health Relate to Overall Wellness?

When you have oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, your mouth will have higher levels of unwanted bacteria. Infection, inflammation, and harmful mouth bacteria can easily travel to other areas of your body. In fact, this bacteria can be pulled into your lungs, causing respiratory issues and increasing the risk of contracting pneumonia. 

Periodontitis, or severe gum disease caused by plaque buildup and bacteria accumulating along the gum line, can also cause premature labor and low birth weights in pregnant women. Other health problems related to poor oral health include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and an increased risk of having a stroke. 

What Preventative Dental Care Should You Embrace?

The best way to maintain excellent oral health is by brushing and flossing every morning and every evening before you go to bed. Visit your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning and to ensure you're free of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Limit your sugar intake so that you won't have to worry about increased mouth bacteria creating plaque buildup that can eventually lead to tooth decay. 

Refrain from smoking cigarettes as this can negatively impact your oral wellness along with your overall health. Whenever you notice pain while chewing, changes in your smile, swollen and bleeding gums, or tooth sensitivity, call your dentist right away to tackle your advanced dental care needs sooner rather than later.

If you're looking for a dentist that can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile that boosts general health, Gladstein Dental Center is the practice for you. Conveniently located in the heart of New Britain, CT, this family dentistry clinic has provided enhanced dental care to residents across Hartford County since 1983. To schedule a teeth cleaning, call today at (860) 223-1162. To learn more about their services and commitment to personalized care, visit their website.