What Is the Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health?

In this video, Dr. Diane Hines talks about why protecting your teeth and gums also helps protect your whole body.

Many patients don’t realize how closely oral health is connected to overall health. In fact, dentists can often detect early signs of systemic conditions just by examining the mouth. For example, a bright red tongue may indicate anemia, and a persistent metallic taste can point to kidney disease. We also perform routine oral cancer screenings at every visit, since early signs of squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a lump, bump, or white patch, often without pain. If we notice anything suspicious, we promptly refer patients to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

Regular dental visits are essential, not only to protect your teeth and gums, but also to safeguard your general health. The same plaque that builds up on your teeth can enter the bloodstream, contributing to clogged arteries, heart disease, diabetes complications, low birth weight in babies, and other systemic issues.

That’s why cleanings every six months, or more frequently if recommended, are so important. As I often tell my patients, you don’t have to floss all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.

At Aesthetic Dental, our goal is to care for both your oral and overall health while educating you on the vital connection between the two.

Want to keep your smile healthy for life? Aesthetic Dental in Southfield, MI, provides complete dental care to prevent issues before they start. Book your free consultation and stay on top of your oral health.

OUR DENTAL SERVICES

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying...

Read The Aesthetic Dental Blog

Discover the services we offer, as well as the latest advancements in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry in Southfield and the Greater Detroit area. Still have questions? Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Denture Stabilization in Southfield, MI | Free Mini Implant Consults
Long-Term Lower Denture Stabilization With Dental Implants

If you’re looking for a quality lower denture stabilizer, denture adhesives can feel like a Band-Aid fix. Adhesives may temporarily keep your dentures in place, but they don’t always prevent the slipping, shifting, and discomfort that make eating and speaking difficult. Instead of searching for the right product to bond lower dentures, consider dental implants for long-term stability. At [...]

Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard in Southfield, MI | Free Consultations
Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard: Your Solution for Better Sleep

Do you find yourself falling asleep at your desk? Or do you wake up frequently throughout the night and aren’t sure why? You may have sleep apnea! According to the American Medical Association (AMA), an estimated 30 million people in the United States have some form of sleep apnea, but only around 6 million are diagnosed. That is a [...]

Fix-on-Six in Southfield, MI | Book a Free Implant Consultation
Fix-on-Six: A Better Way To Restore Your Smile

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of total tooth loss for patients 60 and older is 23%. That is millions of people worldwide going through the same struggle of missing teeth. Often, patients turn to traditional dentures first to restore their smile. Unfortunately, these restorations can be more trouble than they’re worth, as they tend [...]

Full Mouth Dental Implants in Sterling Heights, MI | Free Consults
How a Full Mouth of Dental Implants Rebuilds Your Smile

There’s more to a tooth than meets the eye. While you can see the crowns of your teeth above your gums, you can’t see the roots, which lie below the gum line. These roots are embedded in your jaw, keeping your smile secure. But when you lose a tooth, you also lose the tooth root. Without these roots to [...]

Dental Implants in Southfield, MI | Book a Free Consultation Today!
Looking for Dental Implants in Southfield, MI? Book a Free Consultation!

Have you ever found yourself waiting too long for the right moment? While it can be smart to wait in some situations, people often find themselves waiting for a moment that will never come. There will always be obstacles that can get in the way of treatment, but your missing teeth are a problem here and now. According to [...]

Veneers Cost in Southfield, MI | Learn About Our Financing Options
Managing Your Veneers Cost With Flexible Financing

The cost of veneers can be steep, especially without insurance. Because veneers are mainly cosmetic, many insurance companies offer little to no coverage for them. But without coverage, patients like you may be left with high out-of-pocket costs. Fortunately, Dr. Diane Hines at Aesthetic Dental finds ways to make your cosmetic treatments more affordable. To find out what your [...]

Teeth in a Day in Southfield, MI [Video Inside] Free Implant Consult
Replace Your Teeth in a Day With Mini Dental Implants [Video Inside]

Do you ever feel like there isn’t enough time in a day? Between work, family, and other obligations, it may feel like you barely have enough time for yourself. And when you do find that time, the very last thing you want to do is go to the dentist. But some procedures are too important to put off, like [...]

Braces Alternatives in Southfield, MI | Book a Free Consultation
Braces Alternatives Without Metal Brackets in Southfield, MI

The traditional way to straighten teeth and align bites is with metal braces. But what if there were a way to straighten your smile while avoiding uncomfortable and obvious metal in your mouth? At Aesthetic Dental, we offer alternatives to metal braces that use clear and comfortable plastic. With our clear aligners, you can straighten your smile without worrying [...]