As a family practice focused on the whole patient, our friendly and compassionate team of dental professionals is happy to provide our patients with personalized, high-quality dental care in Atlanta, Georgia. Our modern office is warm and inviting, which helps promote a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in which you can feel comfortable. For the convenience of all of our patients at Sandy Springs Dentistry, we offer warming blankets and TVs to watch at your leisure, as well as nitrous to keep you comfortable.
Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness
Your oral health is an essential part of your overall physical health. As such, our dentist and team are devoted to helping make sure your dental care is exceptional. Dr. Maria Benefield encourages all our patients to practice good dental habits to help promote the health of their teeth.
Your oral health and overall wellness are closely linked. The mouth forms a gateway to the rest of the body, and the condition of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues can often affect your general health and well-being. Studies have shown that poor oral health has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and other severe medical conditions.
A healthy mouth aids in the body’s nutrition, enhancing social interaction and promoting your self-esteem and feeling of general well-being. Your mouth will often provide “signals” to the rest of the body about health problems such as ulcers or lesions, bone loss, bleeding or swollen gums, or reduced saliva flow, to name only a few symptoms. Bacteria in the mouth can cause infection in other areas of the body, and systemic conditions that affect the entire body are also known to impact oral health.
Investing in Your Oral Health in Atlanta, GA
Investing in oral health is a wise decision that can benefit much more than just your teeth and gums. A healthy smile is not just for looks–it is a valuable part of your overall well-being. If you prioritize your oral health, you invest in a better quality of life. Furthermore, you can improve your overall health and achieve long-term savings on potential medical costs. Preventative approaches to your health not only save you from the pain and discomfort of dental problems but also save money on costly treatments.
Because your oral health connects to systemic health, your oral hygiene routine is paramount. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to severe conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Additionally, a healthy mouth enables you to eat comfortably and speak clearly.
How to Improve Oral Health
We encourage you to do everything you can to keep your mouth healthy. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and flossing daily
- Scheduling and keeping all your regular dental visits
- Being aware of your oral health and telling your dentist about any changes in your overall health (recent illnesses, ongoing conditions, medication use, etc.)
- Refraining from smoking or chewing tobacco
- Managing dry mouth
If you have questions about your oral health or the mouth-body connection, please contact our office. We will be happy to provide you with more information and schedule your appointment with our dentist.