Overall Health and Wellness Begins With Healthy Teeth and Gums

Brush your teeth twice a day to keep away tooth decay. Growing up, you probably heard this in one form or another from your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, teachers, and of course, your dentist. Keeping those teeth pearly white was – and should still be – a very important part of your every day routine.

Today, however, taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about keeping your smile in tip-top shape – it’s about keeping your entire body in tip-top shape, too. More and more research is showing that good oral healthcare is imperative to your overall health, and can prevent an array of diseases ranging from arthritis to Alzheimer’s.

And it’s not just about brushing your teeth, gums and tongue – it’s about keeping a healthy lifestyle, too. After all, your mouth is essentially the welcome mat to a variety of different guests – some unwelcome. Food, drink, bacteria, viruses and fungi make their way through your mouth and travel throughout your body, so make sure you’re letting more good guests come in than bad ones.

And if you smoke or chew tobacco, drink excessive amounts of alcohol and/or partake in an unhealthy diet, not only does your risk of tooth decay and gum disease increase, but also cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and other diseases most people wouldn’t associate with their teeth and gum health.

That’s why it’s important to view your teeth and gums as the gateway – and often times, the precursor – to other diseases and ailments throughout your body. Bottom line, when you practice good oral health habits, your entire body thanks you.

So, be sure to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and of course, don’t delay your dentist appointment. Your dentist does more than just check for cavities and gum disease – he or she can also identify pressing health issues before you even know something may be wrong.

At Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental, we not only invest in your smile, but your overall health, too. Located in San Antonio, our dentists specialize in general, pediatric, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, as well as oral cancer screenings. Don’t neglect your teeth and gums – schedule your comprehensive dental exam and cleaning, today.