The Oral Systemic Connection

While we can all appreciate the benefits of maintaining a healthy smile, your oral health influences far more than your mouth. The mouth is truly the window to your overall health, and the oral-systemic link remains one of the most significant reasons why you should visit us on a regular basis even if your teeth seem to be in great health.

An indicator for over 120 different illnesses

The state of your oral health can tell professionals about far more than the state of your teeth and gums. Symptoms including swollen gums, bone loss, and bleeding can all be signs of other conditions throughout the body. While many cases of gingivitis and other oral health problems are restricted to the mouth, investigating the symptoms can help diagnose and treat other kinds of health issues.

Some of the systemic diseases that can be linked to oral health include osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases. In fact, gum disease can increase the likelihood of getting certain cancers by over 50% while stroke rates can increase by up to 300%.

Aside from systemic diseases of a physical nature, it’s possible for gum disease and poor oral health to impact your emotional health too. After all, the status of your smile has a huge impact on the way you are received by others, which consequently influences your self-confidence and chances of suffering from issues like social anxiety.

Essentially, then, it’s not an overstatement to suggest that oral health can alter the quality and quality of your life due to the direct links with systemic diseases. For this reason alone, staying vigilant to your oral health is vital.

Poor oral health can worsen other conditions

Bacteria grows in every mouth. However, it’s when plaque and tartar are allowed to spread to the organs and blood that problems occur. As such, employing a better oral health routine can actively reduce your chances of developing related conditions by preventing bacterial infections.

Several steps can be taken to remove plaque and prevent tartar, which will keep your oral health in the best possible condition. The most significant steps are to:

  • Brush twice daily and use floss and mouthwash at least once per day
  • Ensure that you stay hydrated
  • Avoid foods and drinks that are known to encourage the film of plaque to develop quickly
  • Change your toothbrush or toothbrush heads on a frequent basis
  • Visit the dentist frequently

The final point is as crucial as maintaining a winning daily habit, especially as they can complete the deep clean that you simply cannot do at home. This means getting under the gumline to clear plaque and tartar. Meanwhile, they can treat gingivitis and other gum diseases while also providing advice about any systemic conditions that may have been identified.

For the sake of your immediate and ongoing oral and general health, paying greater attention to these issues is key.

Book your periodontal examination today

If you’re due for a dental examination and professional cleaning please contact us to schedule an appointment today!

Tips for Finding The Best Periodontist

A periodontist is one of the most valuable medical care experts that anybody will ever encounter. After all, your oral health has a huge influence on your look as well as general well-being. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease is hugely important.

Given the significance of the treatments provided, it’s imperative to find a periodontist who will give you the care you deserve to obtain optimal oral health. Here are five simple steps to ensure you make a smart decision.

Consider Their Location

Convenience is an important ingredient in the recipe for success, especially as you may be required to make several visits over the course of a few months. While you won’t want to simply choose the nearest solution, an easily accessed venue should be one of the top items on your agenda. As well as the geographical proximity to your home or workplace, you should consider the car parking facilities and other logistical elements.

Check Their Credentials

If you do not have trust in the periodontist, they are not the right choice. Therefore, it’s imperative that you check their track record to ensure the service provided is up to the desired level. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) certifications are crucial. Meanwhile, a business that has been operating for several years is preferential to a company launched by inexperienced doctors. Reading customer reviews or seeking recommendations from friends and family can be a very useful tool also.

Analyze Their Treatment Types

Checking that the chosen periodontist is capable of completing the specific task at hand is vital. Likewise, it’s crucial to check the other list of available treatments. Some of the tasks you may need to look for include non-surgical treatments, laser treatments, dental crown lengthening, pocket reduction, etc. Be sure to ask what options are offered, along with how they are completed.

Look For Flexible Payments

Nothing matches the importance of your health or the quality of the treatment received. Still, value for money is important, too. Dental treatments can be expensive, which is why most people require flexible repayment plans. In some cases, Medicaid and other insurance types can provide additional support. A periodontist’s care and treatments are sometimes medically necessary and do sometimes fall under the umbrella of acceptable claims.

Build A Rapport

Finally, you must remember that treatments need to be tailored to you. Therefore, clear communication and transparency with the dental office is essential at all times. When you live in Pittsburgh, Dr. Silberg’s commitment to go the extra mile to put you at ease and ensure that you receive the right type of treatment makes all the difference. The support of all our team members can make the periodontal procedures far less stressful, allowing you to focus on enjoying your restored smile. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!