Good Dental Hygiene Improves Overall Health

New Year's resolutions often focus on health improvement, and San Diego dentist Dr. Doug Disraeli explains how dental hygiene can link to overall health.

“In the New Year, many have resolutions to get healthier, and because the mouth is the gateway to the body, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene because of its impacts to overall health," says Dr. Disraeli.

Health conditions that may be impacted by oral health include:

• Cardiovascular disease: Studies suggest that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from gum disease. 
• Diabetes: Studies show that people with diabetes are more apt to develop gum disease and other oral health problems than those without diabetes because diabetes can lower resistance to infections.
• Pregnancy: The risk of gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is increased with hormonal changes. It is so common that the term “pregnancy gingivitis” is a widely accepted diagnosis. With symptoms such as swelling and bleeding of the gums, gingivitis can become more serious and lead to gum disease. Some research suggests a link between gum disease and pre-term, low-birth weight babies.

To minimize risk and maintain oral health, according to Dr. Disraeli, you should brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, eat a healthy diet, limit snacking, and schedule regular check-ups with a dentist.

“Maintaining oral hygiene to lead to an overall healthier lifestyle is a great New Year’s resolution to keep up all year round,” Dr. Disraeli says.

For more information, you can call Dr. Doug Disraeli at (619) 291-2980, email him at biggrin@pacbell.net, find him on Facebook, or visit his website.

Dr. Doug Disraeli is a general and cosmetic dentist with a degree from the University of Southern California, one of the top dental schools in the world. He participates throughout the United States in continuing education dentistry courses and is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Diego County Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Pacific Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry.

Offering cosmetic dentistry, implant, restorative and general dentistry throughout San Diego, Doug Disraeli, D.D.S. is committed to providing its patients with comfortable, efficient and comprehensive dental care. Procedures offered include teeth whitening, Invisalign, bonding, veneers, and cosmetic fillings. Doug Disraeli, D.D.S. is located in the Hillcrest community of San Diego, at 3645 Fourth Avenue. For more information, please visit hillcrestcosmeticdentistry.com.