The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health
WE HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN THAT THERE IS A LINK BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND OVERALL HEALTH.
Change of Routines
Over the last year, during our numerous Covid shut downs, we have noticed an overall deterioration in patients’ oral health. This is possibly due to a number of factors including the departure from normal routines as well as additional stresses brought on by the pandemic. With more patients working from home, or not working, the normal routine of getting up early, showering, brushing and flossing your teeth and getting dressed for the normal work workday has changed to some degree for most of us.
Preventative Care
In addition, due to shut downs, reluctance or delays in some patients seeking preventive care, we are noticing an overall decline in patients’ oral health, and the concern is that this will also be reflected in a decline in systemic health. Increased infections such as periodontal (gum) disease can predispose us to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, among others. See diagram below
Boost Your Health (Resistance to Illnesses)
Therefore it is essential to control factors that we can to help prevent our health from declining. Resuming our normal oral hygiene routines, getting as much exercise as we can, eating healthy foods, taking our Vitamins (C & D in particular), can help to boost our health and resistance to illnesses in general.
The Safest Environment for Patients
Dental offices have always had strict protocols in place. Most Dental offices have undergone major enhancements in screening and operational procedures to eliminate the possibility of transmission of any contaminants to ensure the safety of our staff and patients. After all, we as dental professionals spend eight or more hours per day, every day, in our office environment, so we have a vested interest in committing completely to its safety. Therefore, we believe that our environment is one of the safest places you can be, other than staying inside your home without any contact from outside.
Prevent Small Problems to Become Bigger Issues
We believe that it’s in everyone’s best interests to prevent oral & overall health problems from occurring, or when they occur, to address them quickly, before they become bigger issues. While we all wait for everyone to get vaccinated and normal life to resume, we can focus on doing what we can to stay as healthy as possible for both short and long term health goals. Remember … Brush, Floss, eat your fruits and vegetables, go for a walk and despite everything, always focus on the many reasons we have to Smile!
Links Between Oral Health & Overall Health
The following diagrams are self-explanatory. Take a minute or two to review the link between your oral health and your overall health. Do not hesitate to contact us, should you have any questions. We are always here to help.
