Allentown Dentist Makes Oral Systemic Connection A Main Focus Of Practice

ALLENTOWN, PA, April 04, 2014 (Press-News.org) When people think of health, they think "heart health," "physical health" or maybe "mental health." The topic of oral health tends to get overlooked because it seems less important. However, for overall health, people need to start paying more attention to their oral health. Countless studies have revealed that oral health has a connection to systemic diseases.

"The body is like the building block game, Jenga. The more blocks you pull out, the pillar becomes less stable than before. In regards to the body, the more serious your dental problems get, the more it can affect your overall health. That's why the oral systemic connection has become the primary focus in my office," explains Dr. Sanford, Allentown dentist at Lehigh Valley Center for Dental Health.

What is the oral systemic connection? It is the connection between oral health and overall health, according to the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health. For example, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy complications have been connected with bad oral health, especially gum disease. While periodontal disease can cause tooth loss, you don't want it to move beyond your mouth. It's a dental issue a patient needs to contain as soon as it is detected. For example:

1) It is not normal for your gums to bleed, even a little bit, when brushing or flossing. A little blood in the sink is a bad sign and means you probably have infected gums -not pretty or safe for your health

2) If you have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and just can't wear a CPAP because it is intolerable, don't be too hard on yourself. Statistics show that many people who get a CPAP can't wear it. Dr. Sanford can help. Wearing an approved, customized fitted oral appliance from a dentist can offer hope for those with OSA and snorers too.

Bleeding gums and sleep apnea can spell problems for you.

That's why annual dental exams and preventative care are so important. If decay and periodontal disease can be prevented, restorative services are the next point of action.

"I want my patients to be aware of how important oral health is and the services I have available to help them build up their oral health. It will help promote better overall health," says Dr. Sanford.

Dental stability is the key to overall health. As long as a patient seeks care from his/her primary physician and dentist, he/she can keep track of any abnormalities, attending to issues early on.

To schedule an appointment with Lehigh Valley Center for Dental Health, call the Allentown dentist office at (610) 820-6000. Or patients can go to www.lehighvalleycenterfordentalhealth.com for oral health resources and an appointment form.

About Lehigh Valley Center for Dental Health:
Dr. Sanford and his dental team are devoted to quality and comfortable dental care.

Media Contact:
Lehigh Valley Center for Dental Health
social@lehighvalleycenterfordentalhealth.net
1120 S. Cedar Crest Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18103
(610) 820-6000
www.lehighvalleycenterfordentalhealth.net

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