Did you know?

• Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood infectious disease, more common than asthma, and is almost entirely preventable. On the national level, by the time children reach age 17, four out of five will suffer the consequences of poor oral health. (Oralhealthflorida.org, “HealthyMouth, HealthyBody”)

• A bacterial infection in the mouth can result in premature birth, an increased chance of having a heart attack, and can make blood sugar more difficult to control for people with diabetes. Recent research suggests that there may be an association between oral infections — primarily gum infections — cardiovascular disease and preterm birth.

(Colgate Professional: “Oral Health And Overall Health: Why A Healthy Mouth Is Good For Your Body”)

Over the second half of 2018 and into 2019, Blue Cross Dental will emphasize the mouth-body connection in the marketplace and the importance of good oral health as it pertains to overall health.
We will also be stressing the importance of sharing oral health issues with one’s doctor as well as sharing overall health issues with one’s dentist. The two-way communication, three-way if you count the patient, is critical to overall health.