Oral Health MATTERS!
Information from Florida Public Health Institute
In 2000, the Surgeon General issued a report – Oral Health in America. In the Report, the Surgeon General focused on why oral health is important. “The mouth is the major portal of entry into the body… In the event that the integrity of oral tissues is compromised, the mouth can become a source of disease or pathological processes affecting other parts of the body.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, “Oral health is an essential component of health throughout life. Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases can have a significant impact on the quality of life. They can affect the most basic human needs, including the ability to eat and drink, swallow, maintain proper nutrition, smile and communicate.” Such diseases know as dental caries (cavities) and periodontal disease (gum disease) are caused by specific bacteria and are considered infectious bacterial diseases. These diseases can lead to tooth loss and have been linked to various other diseases of the body such as heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, pre-term birth and recently pancreatic cancer.
Bottom line…..it is imperative, and SIMPLE, to take care of your teeth. Better oral health means better overall health!!
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