There has been a lot of discussion lately regarding the link between oral health and overall health. It hasn’t been without its share of controversy however, as some studies contradict others. The evidence seems to be pilling up that confirms what many dentists have known for years. The health of your mouth is an indicator for the health of your body. A new standard of care is being developed called “oral systemic connection”, where dentists play a much large role in the overall health of the patient.
With new procedures such as LANAP, periodontal disease can be treated along with other health issues as a whole, rather then piecemeal.
One interesting fact – periodontal disease can used as predictive indicator of heart attacks, many times more so then cholesterol. SO the next time you discuss the health of someone’s mouth with them, you may be saving more than their smile. Read more in Dr. Hood's press release on the subject.