Oral Systemic Health Connection

Oral systemic health is the connection between oral health and overall health. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted that prove if a patient has poor oral health or a lack of an oral care routine, they have a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia. The health of your teeth and gums is critical to maintaining healthy organs. Your best form of prevention is visiting The Oyster Bay Dentists twice a year for routine exams and professional dental cleanings.  

According to numerous studies, there are three ways that oral disease may affect your overall health. First, bacteria from the gums will enter the saliva and from there may adhere to water droplets within the air you inhale each time you breathe. These bacteria may be aspirated into the lungs, and may potentially cause infection. Additionally, periodontal disease that is left untreated can become so aggressive that bacteria may enter the bloodstream and lead to further complications. To keep a healthy body, maintain a healthy mouth by brushing for two minutes at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day.

If you have questions or concerns about oral-systemic health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Diet and Dental Health

Oral systemic health and diet go hand-in-hand. A poor diet can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and can even cause enamel to wear down over time. Foods that contain sugars of any kind accelerate the tooth decay process and though most foods contain sugars, certain foods are part of a healthy diet and need to be consumed. If you need a refresher on what foods to eat for your oral health, The Oyster Bay Dentists are here to inform you.

Added sugars are often present in junk foods, like cookies, candy, and pastries. To maintain a balanced diet, you should consume foods from each of the five major food groups and limit the number of snacks you eat. Wise choices include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products like cheese and milk. These foods will keep the mouth clean, and help protect it from dental disease.

If you have questions or concerns about diet and dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Drink More Water

The best thing you can do for your smile is to keep your mouth clean. In addition to brushing and flossing on a daily basis, it’s important to stay hydrated to keep your mouth moist. Water replenishes saliva, our body’s natural defense against dry mouth and tooth decay. Sugary beverages may wash down your food, but as we’ve previously mentioned, they provide no nutritional benefits to tooth enamel. Our doctors at The Oyster Bay Dentists are here to encourage you to drink more water to protect your teeth.

Water cleans the mouth with every sip, keeping teeth cavity-free. Water washes away the sugars that food and beverages leave behind to attack tooth enamel. Additionally, when saliva runs low, the mouth becomes dry. The frequent dry mouth can lead to tooth decay. Next time you reach for a sugary drink, try replacing it with water, or if you decide to consume the sugary beverage regardless, wash it down with a refreshing glass of water.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Diet Affects Your Dental Health

Your body is a complex machine, which is why it’s necessary to feed it with the right fuel. The foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists can’t monitor what you eat and drink, but we can tell you what foods are and aren’t harmful to your dental health.

You may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, simply by improving your diet. To keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, choose health foods from the five main food groups: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy. If you consume too many sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks or non-nutritious snacks, you could be at risk for tooth decay. For healthy living and for healthy teeth and gums, think before you eat and drink.

If you would like to schedule a dental checkup, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.