Summary of this video by Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth
Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth emphasizes the vital connection between oral health and overall health, known as the mouth-body connection. She explains that bacteria under the gums can enter the body and affect major organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, gut and brain. New research from the American Medical Association and leading universities is reinforcing this link, prompting greater collaboration between medical doctors and dentists. Dr. Corrigan-Dankworth notes that physicians in Carlsbad often ask their patients if they’ve seen their dentist, recognizing that oral health impacts conditions like heart disease and diabetes. She stresses that maintaining a healthy mouth can lower health risks and improve overall well-being.
Understanding the Vital Connection Between Oral Health and Chronic Diseases
Every time you brush and floss, you’re taking care of your overall health. At La Costa Dental Excellence in Carlsbad, CA, we recognize the profound connection between oral health and chronic diseases. Your oral hygiene is a significant marker of your overall well-being, influencing various facets of your life. But what many might not realize is just how closely linked our oral health is with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and more.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Our mouths are teeming with bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, without proper oral hygiene, even these seemingly benign bacteria can pose risks. They can quickly multiply, causing infections like gum disease, which can, in turn, become a gateway for bacteria to invade other parts of the body, leading to more severe health issues. Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth echoes this concern by saying, “All of the bad bacteria that is in our mouth makes those situations and scenarios higher risk, higher profile.”
Cardiovascular Health
Poor oral health can be a significant factor in developing heart disease. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease can lead to bacterial contamination of the bloodstream, impacting heart health. A study reveals a startling 70% increased risk of heart disease for those who neglect their oral hygiene compared to their proactive counterparts.
A patient shared their experience, expressing their immense anxiety about dental care by saying, “I’ve always been terrified of going to the dentist. I would avoid visits and put off treatment because of my fear. My experience with La Costa completely changed my outlook on dental care.” This story illuminates a common concern for patients: how the fear of dental visits unwittingly puts them at risk by neglecting oral health.
Diabetes Connection
Diabetes and oral health share a bidirectional relationship. If not controlled, diabetes can increase the risk of periodontal disease, while gum disease can increase difficulty controlling blood glucose levels. One satisfied patient declared, “My control over my diabetes has noticeably improved since I became a regular at La Costa Dental Excellence.”
Many diabetic patients fail to recognize the tangible impact their oral health can have on the management of their condition. Dr. Corrigan-Dankworth adds, “And we have that conversation about the mouth-body connection and making sure that whatever bacteria is underneath the gum tissue isn’t being swallowed on a daily basis and then it ends up in our gut, kidneys, heart, liver, brain, all of it.”
La Costa Dental Excellence’s Holistic Approach to Oral Health
At La Costa Dental Excellence, we picture a world where your well-being is seen as a harmonious symphony. You deserve treatments that account for the body as a whole, and we craft personalized care plans fit for your unique needs. We assess signs of early health concerns, so your dental health supports rather than compromises your general well-being.
Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth illustrates the collaborative efforts among local caregivers, sharing, “When they have a patient that comes in for their yearly exam, the doctors that we work with here in Carlsbad will ask their patient, ‘Have you seen your dentist here?’” Patient-centered solutions like these are more than just services; they’re pathways to a healthier, happier life.
Empowering Through Education
We don’t just treat our patients; we educate them. By spreading awareness about the significant connections between oral health and chronic diseases, we empower you to take charge of your overall health.
The patient experience at La Costa Dental Excellence encourages a routine that supports both oral health and the prevention of chronic diseases. Such a reassuring environment can make all the difference in maintaining the regular dental care necessary to mitigate risks.
Take Action on Your Oral Health Today
Understanding and nurturing the link between your oral health and chronic diseases can be a game-changer for your well-being. At La Costa Dental Excellence, we are here to guide you through every step. You owe it to yourself to prioritize health in all its dimensions. Call us at (760) 633-3033 or visit our office at 7730 Rancho Santa Fe Rd #106, Carlsbad, CA 92009 to schedule your consultation. Your healthiest smile is just a phone call away.
Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth – Author Bio
Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth, DDS, is a highly respected expert in the field of dental health, with a distinguished track record in connecting the dots between oral health and chronic diseases. Based in Carlsbad, CA, at La Costa Dental Excellence, Dr. Corrigan-Dankworth has dedicated her career to educating patients and healthcare providers alike on the critical impact that oral health has on systemic conditions. Renowned for her compassionate approach and deep-rooted expertise, she continues to set the standard in integrative dental care.