While summer is a time to indulge in too many hamburgers and a cold beer or soda, it’s also a time to get healthy. Nice weather means you can get outside, trek through the mountains, or go for a swim. If you’re like many who’ve put together a list of summer goals, some of which are health-related, then it’s time to think about one more thing, your oral health. Surprisingly, it can say a lot about your overall health, as well.

Lower Your Risk of Dementia, Heart Attack, and Stroke

According to a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California, maintaining a strong oral health routine can significantly lower your chances of dementia. Following about five thousands participants over the span of eight years, the study looked at the brushing habits of the elderly and concluded that those who reported not brushing their teeth had a 22 to 65 percent higher risk of dementia than those who brushed twice daily.

That’s because oral health complications such as periodontal disease can create chronic low-grade inflammation that can negatively affect your health. Along with a higher chance of dementia, gum disease can also increase your chances of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Gum disease symptoms include:

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad Breath
  • Loose Teeth

Gum disease is a common oral health complication that affects almost half of adults in the U.S.

Signs of Anxiety

Naturally, our teeth have ridges, indentations, and places of wear. However, if it seems one side of our mouth is more worn than another, this could be a sign of anxiety. Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding, can be the result of higher levels of anxiety during the day, and usually happens in our sleep. To avoid reconstructive dentistry in the future, and also the many complications caused by anxiety, take these symptoms as a sign to seek new avenues of anxiety management.

Are You Eating Healthily?

Like many other oral health complications, cavities should be taken as a sign that something isn’t quite right with our bodies. For cavities in general, this means we’re not eating the right kinds of foods. Cavities are caused by an imbalance of bacteria inside our mouths. By eating foods high in sugar or starch, we feed a certain kind of bacteria which allows it to multiply and produce cavity-causing acids. If there’s been an influx in cavities between now and the last time you saw a dentist, it may be time to refocus your diet around more vegetables and less sugar. The American Heart Association suggests 25g or less a day. (For reference, a can of Coke contains 33 g of sugar.)

If it’s been awhile since your last dental appointment, then you should schedule one soon. Not only can a check-up keep you up to date with the state of your smile, it has plenty to tell about your body, as well.

If you are looking for a compassionate, experienced dentist in Butler, then you’re looking for Dr. Bob. Please call (724) 282-4436 today for an appointment at Advanced Dentistry of Butler