San Francisco and Marin CA
Although people say that a mouth is a window to a person’s overall physical health, it’s easy to take our mouths — and our dental health — for granted. From preventing infections to helping boost mental health, dental treatment plays an important role in maintaining our overall physical health. Today, our family dentist in San Francisco is providing details on how maintaining strong oral health is good for your mind and body, too.
Prevent infections and systemic diseases
The mouth carries millions of bacteria — some beneficial and some harmful. Without regular brushing and flossing, the bad bacteria thrive and multiply, leading to tooth decay and gum disease that, left untreated, can cause severe infections and inflammation in the body. The harmful bacteria travel via the bloodstream to other areas in the body, potentially causing serious health conditions like endocarditis (an infection of the heart’s inner lining), respiratory infections and diabetes complications. Inflammation caused by gum disease can also lead to the development of atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries. This can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How dental treatments help: Routine brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups and cleanings at your Marin family dentist will help prevent gum disease, reducing the risk of developing infections and systemic diseases.
Prevent chronic headaches
Sometimes we have patients who come to us complaining about unexplained, chronic headaches and migraines. After trying unsuccessfully to determine the cause of the headaches, they turn to over-the-counter pain relievers. We’re able to give them the good news that we may be able to help. Issues with dental alignment and bite can lead to chronic headaches and jaw pain, often caused by conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
How dental treatments help: Dental treatments such as orthodontics, bite adjustments and custom mouthguards can alleviate these symptoms, improving overall quality of life.
Promote mental health with confidence
One of the most common things we hear after a session of teeth whitening or a full smile makeover is how much more confident our patients feel with their new smile. The impact of dental health on mental well-being cannot be overstated. Poor dental health can lead to pain, discomfort and social embarrassment, affecting a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Missing teeth, bad breath or noticeable tooth decay can cause people to withdraw from social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and depression.
How dental treatments help: Restorative procedures like fillings, crowns and implants, along with cosmetic dental treatments like professional teeth whitening and veneers, can significantly improve both the appearance and function of teeth, helping boost a person’s confidence and mental health.
Healthy smiles in the Bay Area
A simple routine of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once and visiting Glen Park Dental twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings will help your over health and well-being in countless ways. If it’s time for your checkup, call us at (415) 799-3900 or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment today.
