Why Seeing Your Dentist in Colorado Springs Is Good for Your Overall Health

Seeing your dentist in Colorado Springs is good for more than your teeth and gums. It can also benefit your overall well-being. That’s because the different parts of your body work together as one unit. Whatever affects one affects the others as well.

 As Your Teeth Go, So Goes Your Body

Medical and dental researchers developed their lives to discovering the causes of illness. Over the years they have noticed a strong correlation between overall health and the condition of a person’s teeth and gums. Here are some of the insights they have discovered:

• People who suffer from poor dental health are at much greater risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, and heart disease.
• On the other hand, those who enjoy healthy teeth and gums are more likely to be in good physical condition and live longer, more fulfilling lives.
• Dental health and physical health issues seem to reinforce each other. For example, people who are dealing with poor health must often take multiple medications. Sometimes these medicines can cause side effects such as dry mouth, which contributes to cavities. Those cavities in turn put the person at greater risk of other diseases.

Authorities are divided as to the reasons for these disturbing correlations. Some believe that lack of access to professional care is the underlying cause. Others believe that cavity-causing bacteria may spread inflammation throughout the body, leading to continuous health issues.

There is one thing everyone agrees on, however: healthy teeth and gums are essential to your overall well-being. Fortunately, it’s possible for all of us to safeguard our oral health by following a few basic tips like these:

• Brushing 2-3 times a day using a toothbrush and toothpaste with the ADA seal of acceptance on the packaging.
• Flossing at least once per day. This is important for removing food particles that brushing may miss.
• Eating plenty of healthy foods. A nutritious diet should include adequate amounts of protein, like the kind you get from lean meats and reduced-fat dairy products. Whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables are also beneficial.
• Keeping sugar consumption to an absolute minimum. Sugar feeds the harmful microorganisms that promote tooth decay.
• Kick the smoking habit. Both tobacco and vaping products can have devastating consequences for your body.
• See your dentist twice a year. This is important because brushing and flossing alone can never remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Doing so takes a professional cleaning from a trained dental specialist.
• Even a simple walk a few times a week can do your body much good.
• Smile more often. Believe it or not, research shows that those who face life with a grin tend to enjoy better health and a happier outlook.

Each of us only gets one set of natural teeth and gums. The responsibility for keeping them in good health falls on our shoulders. The effort you put forth will pay for itself many times over, not only now but over the years to come.

About the Author

Dr. James Orban is a skilled periodontist who specializes in the treatment of tooth decay and gum disease. He earned his dental degree from Georgetown University in Washington and has been treating patients for over 40 years. You can reach his office online or by calling (719) 599-0700.