We live in a world that is chock full of information. Unfortunately, people still get wrong ideas in their heads. That may be because the popular media fails to explain something well, or perhaps people simply make assumptions about certain issues. However, the truth is powerful, and you shouldn’t let yourself become a victim of false ideas.
If you’ve been under the impression that dental health isn’t a big deal, or that it can’t have far-reaching consequences for your body, your dentist in Lake Forest urges you to pause and take a look at the facts. Clearing up this misconception could save lives!
Dental Health Does Affect Overall Health
Too many people believe that the mouth is kind of like Las Vegas — what happens there, stays there. However, that is very far from the truth. Oral health problems can have far-reaching consequences for your entire body.
Numerous scientific studies have shown that gum disease in particular can wreak havoc across multiple systems. It can cause and worsen many conditions, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Preterm birth
- Respiratory disease
- Osteoporosis
- Digestive disorders
- Dementia
These problems often come about because bacteria sneaks through the gums and worms its way through the blood vessels into the arteries, brain, lungs, and other parts of the body.
Another bad effect of dental disease is that it puts a big strain on your immune system, which can weaken your body’s resistance to infections.
The Costs Are Out of Control
The pervasive idea that dental disease isn’t a big deal is hurting our economy almost as much as it is hurting people. In 2016, national spending on healthcare exceeded $3 trillion dollars, with average expenditures at over $10,000 per person. Overall, spending was up nearly a trillion dollars from 2007.
Just how much of that spending is related to oral health? One study estimated that 21 percent of total healthcare costs could be eliminated by putting a stop to periodontal (gum) disease. Despite this research, however, there continues to be a widespread focus on treating gum disease rather than preventing it. This attitude is reflected in a lack of patient education and limited access to dental benefits.
Do Your Part to Create Change
You can’t change the world by visiting the dentist. However, you might be able to stop yourself from becoming another statistic. By being proactive about your oral health, you can keep your mouth — and hopefully the rest of your body — in good shape. Regular visits to your Lake Forest dentist can stop problems early on and prevent costly and major procedures down the road. Really, there’s no reason not to commit to your smile’s well-being.
Don’t become a victim of misinformation! Act on the truth about dental health and share the facts with your friends and family. Let’s create a world full of healthy teeth and gums.
About Us
The dentists and other staff members in our practice are committed to promoting excellent oral and overall health in our patients. If you want to learn more about how to prevent dental disease, please contact us at 847-234-4800.