Regularly visiting your dentist is vital for maintaining your oral health, and skipping these appointments can negatively affect your overall health. Oral health conditions can severely impact your entire body, resulting in a reduction in your general well-being. The following brief guide explores the connection between oral health and wellness. 

What Role Does Oral Health Play in Your Physical Well-Being?

The bacteria in your mouth directly impact your health. Without attentive oral hygiene, this bacteria can collect beneath the gum line. From there, it makes its way to your bloodstream, migrating to other major body systems. While oral bacteria may appear relatively harmless, they can cause an inflammatory response throughout the body, increasing the chances of developing significant health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, endocarditis, and cardiovascular disease. When bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, they can damage arterial linings, increasing the build-up of artery-clogging plaque.  

How to Prevent & Mitigate These Issues

Fortunately, keeping up with basic dental care goes a long way toward minimizing issues caused by oral germs. Besides brushing twice and flossing once each day, you should see your dentist for deeper, more complete cleanings at regular intervals. For most people, this equates to bi-annual appointments. However, based on the state of your oral health, your dentist might recommend coming in more often. These routine exams and cleanings let your dentist address conditions such as gum disease, tartar accumulation, and active tooth decay before they become serious, increasing your chances of remaining healthy.

Keep your body healthy by tending to your oral hygiene with routine cleanings from Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien, P.C., Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, or Waukon Dental. Each office is staffed with reputable, compassionate, reliable dentists prepared to offer top-quality dental care services. Visit Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien, P.C., Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, or Waukon Dental online to learn more about their offerings.