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.

Mini Implant Dentist in Southfield, MI [Video Demo] | Free Consults
Meet Your Mini Implant Dentist in Southfield, MI [Video Demo]

When looking to restore your smile, you need a dental practice you can trust. At Aesthetic Dental, we offer innovative mini dental implants, placed by experienced dentists! Our office has two skilled and compassionate implant dentists. Both Dr. Hines and Dr. Seluk dedicate their time and experience to enhancing smiles, replacing missing teeth, and improving the lives of their [...]

L-PRF in Southfield, MI [Video Breakdown] Accelerate Your Healing
L-PRF: Your Path To Faster and More Comfortable Healing [Video Breakdown]

One of the most common concerns we hear at our office is about the healing process. Patients want to know how much a procedure will hurt, how long it takes to heal, and what they can do to accelerate their recovery. Fortunately, at Aesthetic Dental, we do offer a natural and effective way to give your healing a boost. [...]

Roundhouse Bridge in Southfield, MI [Video FAQs] | Free Consults
A Roundhouse Bridge Is a More Secure Denture Alternative [Video FAQs]

For those 60 and older, the global prevalence of total tooth loss is 23%. This means that millions, if not billions, of patients worldwide are struggling without teeth. While a traditional denture is the most common total tooth replacement option, it’s not always the most effective. At Aesthetic Dental in Southfield, MI, we use dental implants to help stabilize [...]

Dental Implants in Detroit, MI [Video Guide] | Free Consultations
Breaking Down Dental Implants in Detroit, MI [Video Guide]

If you’ve lost a tooth, you need prompt tooth replacement. While leaving a gap in your smile may seem harmless, it can actually cause significant changes to your jawbone structure and misalignments that affect your ability to chew. In today’s world, dental implants are among the most popular tooth-replacement options available. This popularity likely stems from the incredible stability [...]

Dental Veneers in Southfield, MI | Book a Free Consultation Today!
Learn How Dental Veneers Transform Your Smile

Smiling is more than just a sign of happiness. A smile is a way to communicate with others, express your emotions, and even improve your mood or self-esteem. Even in adolescence, our smile is closely linked to how we feel about ourselves. Those with white, straight smiles likely feel more confident when they’re smiling. In contrast, those with yellow [...]

Mini Implant Dentures in Southfield, MI | Free Implant Consultations
Mini Implant Dentures: Understanding Your Options [Video Inside]

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the prevalence of complete tooth loss increases with age. This means that the older you are, the more likely you are to lose one, multiple, or even all of your teeth. While adult tooth loss isn’t natural, it is relatively common and often caused by gum disease, poor oral hygiene, or [...]

Dental Emergency in Southfield, MI | Find Fast Effective Pain Relief
Dental Emergency in Southfield, MI? Visit Aesthetic Dental for Fast Pain Relief!

Emergencies call for immediate action. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a family emergency, or even a fashion emergency, there’s no time to wait around for the problem to fix itself. So why do nothing in a dental emergency? When it comes to dental pain, many patients try to tough it out, avoiding the dentist’s office at all costs. But [...]

Same-Day Dental Crown in Southfield, MI | Free Consultations 🦷
Same-Day Dental Crown Treatment for the Ultimate Convenience

In today’s fast-paced world, it can feel like you’re always running out of time. No matter how early you get up or how much you cram into your schedule, there is always something left to do tomorrow. And when you do find time for yourself, the last place you’ll want to spend it is the dentist’s office. Even when [...]