Dec 31 2007
Dental Care and Your Overall Health
While many dentists understand that their patients are, well, often reluctant to get the dental care that they need because they fear the sound of the drill or have anxieties about paying for the care that they need. Unfortunately, when these fears and anxieties stop people from going to see the dentist, they run the risk of having other health care issues go unnoticed:
. . . dentists have long known the connection between the mouth and the body, according to the American Dental Association.
For example, there’s evidence that diabetics are more likely to develop gum disease than non-diabetics. Gum disease also has been linked to heart disease and stroke.
Other research suggests that pregnant women with advanced gum disease are at an increased risk for delivering pre-term babies or babies with low birth weight, according to the ADA. It is for these reasons that people must take care of their teeth and gums. . .
Those who make dental care a priority often find themselves with better overall health. Gum disease and other issues can be indicative of bigger issues – health concerns you may not otherwise be aware of.
Rather than letting this get to you and make you even more anxious about going to the dentist, keep in mind that there are dentists out there who will do everything that they can to make you comfortable while you’re getting the care you need. Look for a dentist who you feel comfortable with and choose an office where patients’ comfort is a top priority – finding one can be easier than you’d think.
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