Dental professionals know that there are correlations between dental health and overall health, and they know that when they are providing dental care for their patients – they are also caring for more than just their teeth.
However, are there different ways to communicate this linkage so that patients understand? The New York Times recently published an article on this topic (“Why Oral Hygiene Is Crucial to Your Overall Health”), and we thought if might be useful to pass along some of the specific examples that might arm a dental professional with new ways to explain this correlation with their patients.
Here are some examples as key takeaways from the article:
- One of the most well-known connections is between dental health and heart disease. Research has shown that people with gum disease may be more likely to have heart disease, as the bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation in the arteries or spread to different organs. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits, patients can help reduce their risk of heart disease and keep their heart in top shape.
- Another surprising connection is between dental health and pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely to give birth prematurely or have babies with low birth weights. By taking care of their teeth and gums during pregnancy, women can help give their babies a healthy start in life.
- Poor dental health can also contribute to respiratory infections, as the bacteria in the mouth can be breathed into the lungs. In addition, people with osteoporosis may be more likely to have tooth loss due to bone loss in the jaw. By maintaining good dental health, patients can help prevent these and other health issues.
Of course, even posting this article in waiting may be a valuable step as the patient can see the topic in the popular press.