What’s Your Mouth Saying About the Rest of Your Body?

added on: November 4, 2015

At our Highland Park and Chicago Heights dental offices, we talk a lot about how important regular visits to us are for a healthy mouth, and even about how we can help boost the appearance of your smile with cosmetic dentistry. But there’s another, more important reason you should visit us at least twice a year.

A Healthy Mouth is Key for a Healthy Body

Oral health can actually mirror overall health. In fact, many whole-body concerns have oral manifestations, and the signs of certain diseases can first show in the mouth, sometimes before there are any other clues that something is wrong. Many of the overall health issues that commonly have oral symptoms are incredibly serious and can include:

  • Diabetes
  • Leukemia
  • Oral Cancer
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Heart Disease

What to Look For

In between appointments, it’s important to keep an eye on your mouth and monitor it for any changes. Some symptoms that should trigger a call to your dentist include:

  • Red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Ulcers
  • Loose teeth
  • Pus in the pockets between your teeth and gums

What You Can Do For a Healthier Life

You can help keep your body healthy by keeping your mouth in tip-top shape with a proper at-home hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing at least once, maintaining regular visits to your dentist in Highland Park or Chicago Heights, and following these tips:

  • Eat well-balanced meals
  • Limit snacking throughout the day
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid tobacco and excessive amounts of alcohol

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a potential problem, contact our Highland Park or Chicago Heights dental office. We’ll work with you to determine the cause, discuss any potential whole-body concerns, and get you on the path towards a customized treatment plan. We’re here not only to keep your mouth healthy, but your body too.

Serving patients from Highland Park, Deerfield, Highwood, Chicago Heights, Crete, and Park Forest.