The Oral and Systemic Health Link

Is your smile putting your life at risk?
Actual patient of Gorman smiling

What Is Oral Systemic Health?

Dentistry is no longer about just your smile.
Actual patient of Gorman smiling

Science has proven that poor oral health can negatively affect your total body health, such as increasing your risk for:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Premature or low birth-weight babies
  • Pulmonary disease
  • Diabetes
  • Certain types of cancer

Your mouth can also show the first signs of health issues within your body.

That is why Dr. Steve Gorman and his team are passionate about educating themselves, and you, on the link between oral and total body health.

By treating and preventing oral health problems, we can better protect your overall health so you can live a long and comfortable life.

Young man with beard smiling in front of blank background

How Is Inflammation a Sign of Bad Health?

Your red and puffy gums are trying to tell you something!

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury. It’s signaling your immune system to repair the damaged tissue and fight off whatever is putting your health at risk.

When your gums are inflamed, it’s usually a sign of periodontal disease (gum disease).

This inflammation is indicating there is a build-up of plaque, full of harmful bacteria, that can cause damage to your gums, teeth, and body.

If left untreated, this bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body as damage-causing inflammation.

Likewise, if another area of your body is at a health risk, inflammation could spread to your gum tissue.

These are prime examples of oral systemic health.

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Signs Your Oral Health Is Affecting Your Overall Health

Many patients do not know their oral health is putting their overall health at risk because there are no signs – at least not until it’s advanced.

With Dr. Gorman’s trained, professional eye, he can detect initial signs of health risks during an oral examination.

He will be able to determine if the problem exists within your mouth, what’s causing it, and how to treat it best. Or if the problem stems from elsewhere in your body, Dr. Gorman can consult with your preferred physician on his diagnosis.

If you notice any of these signs in your mouth, call us to schedule an appointment:

  • Red and puffy gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Gums pulling away from the teeth
  • Bleeding gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
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Why You Can Trust Dr. Gorman with Your Total Body Health

As a founding member of the This opens a new tab on the AAOSH WebsiteAmerican Academy of Oral Systemic Health, Dr. Steve Gorman is very knowledgable on the link between oral health and total body health.

He strives to uphold a new standard of dentistry that treats and protects your overall health, not just your smile. His expertise has been recognized by earning accreditation with the This opens a new tab on the AACD WebsiteAmerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and becoming one of Perio Protect’s Opens new tab to Perio Protect’s website2019 Premier Providers for periodontal treatment.

At The Gorman Center for Fine Dentistry, we offer a variety of treatments that can prevent, reduce, and eliminate inflammation in your mouth, and lower inflammation in your body.

We will never judge you for the current state of your smile or past decisions. Instead, we will warmly welcome you, listen to your concerns and comfort needs, and create an individualized treatment plan that works for you.

Have Questions about Oral Systemic Health?

Consult our FAQs and answers below or give us a call!
  • How can you prevent oral health problems?
    The tried-and-true method of preventing oral health problems, like gum disease, is as follows:

    Maintaining optimal oral health is a team effort between your at-home hygiene routine, regular exams, and cleanings by our dental team in North Oaks, MN.

  • What oral health treatments options are there?
    How we treat your oral health problems will depend on the cause and severity.
    If you receive regular exams and cleanings, we will be able to detect problems early on, saving you time and money. In this case, treatment can be as simple as a professional cleaning and improved at-home hygiene routine.

    If you delay treatment or haven’t seen the dentist in a while, treatment may be more extensive. Sometimes it may involve multiple appointments to remove years-old deposits, which might be below the gum line. Additionally, Dr. Gorman may offer you Perio Protect – an advanced periodontal disease treatment. Click the next question to learn more.

    Are you overdue for an exam? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gorman for professional advice on your oral health.

  • How much do oral health treatments cost?
    Many of our recommended oral health treatments are at no additional cost to your regular appointment with us.
    If you require further treatments, we have options that are affordable and will save you money in the long run.

    Choosing to delay treatment can result in further problems like tooth loss or overall health problems, which can become costly.

    Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gorman to discuss the cost of your oral health treatment.

  • What is Perio Protect?
    This opens a new tab on the Perio Protect WebsitePerio Protect is a highly-effective and non-invasive, at-home treatment for periodontal disease. It uses custom-made trays, worn for only minutes a day, to deliver medicine deep below the gum line. This medicine fights off harmful bacteria and infection, which brushing and flossing cannot reach, to reduce infection and inflammation, soften years-old calculus deposits, and more.
    Dr. Gorman has been recognized by Perio Protect as one of its 2019 Premier Providers. If you want to avoid surgical periodontal treatment and restore your oral health, then trust your smile with our dentist.

    Want to see if Perio Protect is right for you? Schedule a free consultation today!

Is Your Smile Telling You Something?

Schedule a free consultation to review your oral systemic health.