The Dentist Odessa Trusts Cares about your Oral and Overall Health

As the body’s main point of entry, so to speak, your mouth has a direct and influential impact on the health of the rest of your body. Not only in terms of what you put in your mouth for nutrition (or, unfortunately, some non-nutritional items, such as tobacco and too much alcohol), but also in terms of the overall condition of your mouth. In other words, if you have a healthy mouth, then chances are your body will be healthier, too. With this in mind, Odessa dentist Dr. Cobb encourages patients to schedule twice yearly preventive dental cleanings and exams, so we can help you have a healthy mouth and body.

The Oral-Systemic Connection

In particular, the connection between your mouth and body—known as the oral-systemic connection—is closely linked to the health of your gum tissue. People who have gum disease, whether the early stage of gingivitis or the latter stage of periodontitis, are more susceptible to a number of bodily illnesses and diseases including:

• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Dementia
• Pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses

Maintaining Oral Health for Overall Health

In addition to twice daily brushing and once-a-day flossing at home, one of the best things you can do to ensure optimal oral health, and in turn your best overall health, is see your dentist for biannual checkups. These visits are designed to prevent oral health problems before they begin. For example, in addition to cleaning and polishing your teeth for a more attractive smile, we will also remove plaque and tartar, which both harbor millions of bacteria that can cause gum disease.

At your dental checkup, we also conduct a thorough oral cancer screening. We look for a sore that won’t heal; a lump or thickening in any soft tissue or your tongue; and a red, white or gray patch. When found early, oral cancer is highly treatable and often curable. However, because oral cancers are located near lymph nodes in your neck and jaw, left undetected this disease can travel to other parts of the body.

Call Your Odessa Dentist Today

To schedule a dental cleaning that will not only help ensure your oral health but also your overall health, please contact the Odessa dental office of Dr. Steve W. Cobb. We provide comprehensive dental services to Odessa, Midland, Andrews, Stanton, Big Spring, and the surrounding communities.