People tend to separate their dental health into one box and the health of the rest of their body into another. That’s an easy assumption, but the truth of the matter is that oral health plays a much larger part in overall health than people realize. The same infections that require treatment like a root canal can extend beyond the mouth to impact the entire body. The connection between oral health and systemic diseases is important to understand to keep yourself healthy and thriving. 

How Oral Health Can Impact Overall Health

The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body. It’s involved in digestive and respiratory function and is even intertwined with immune function. When bacteria enters the mouth, it can easily find its way past the teeth and gums and into other areas of the body. This can not only make pre-existing conditions worse, it can actually contribute to new complications. Some of the more serious health conditions that can be linked to oral health conditions include: 

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Respiratory Infections
• Diabetes Complications
• Pregnancy Complications
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Chronic Inflammation
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Alzheimer’s Disease

Those are some pretty serious implications! When oral health isn’t a priority, things can progress and have long-term ramifications on the body. Untreated or advanced infections within the mouth can eventually travel deep within the tooth, reaching the pulp. If ignored, that bacteria can cause abscesses, bone loss, and bacteria in the bloodstream, causing serious health concerns. This is where endodontic dentistry comes in to save the day. Deep tooth infections can be stopped with a root canal, not only saving the tooth but effectively stopping the spread of bacteria through the body. 

Seeking out treatment for any dental concerns should be a priority not just for a healthy smile, but a healthy body overall! Full Smile Endodontics is available to help individuals in the Amarillo area prioritize their oral health through root canals, post and core buildup, endodontic surgery, and more. 

Take Control Of Your Oral Health with Full Smile Endodontics 

If you’ve noticed tooth pain, swelling, or increased sensitivity, it’s important to have your teeth evaluated. Pretending a problem doesn’t exist won’t make it go away in the case of oral health - in fact, it can just create a much larger problem that’s much more difficult to manage. Take control of your well-being by paying attention to what your teeth and gums are telling you. If you’re dealing with tooth pain or have been told you’re in need of a root canal or other endodontic procedure, don’t hold off. Contact Full Smile Endodontics today to schedule a consultation to prioritize your health!