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Healthy Living · article

Why your oral health is more than a beautiful smile

Woman at the dentist.

Taking care of your teeth and gums is an investment in your health. Yes, your overall health. According to Patricia Imahiyerobo, DDS, director of the Dental Center at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center, maintaining a healthy smile is about more than just your teeth.

“Routine dental care can uncover potential problems with your physical health before they become serious,” she says. “Your oral health is equal parts primary care and preventive medicine. That means dentistry should be right up there with seeing your family doctor regularly.”

The connection between mouth and body

Research has linked gum disease with cardiovascular issues, along with diabetes and a host of other systemic health problems. Bacterial infections in the mouth such as periodontal disease or a dental abscess, when left untreated, have also been associated with preterm births and low birth weight.

“We help prevent problems before they become emergencies,” says Dr. Imahiyerobo. “Tooth decay or bleeding gums might not seem urgent, but they can progress over time. Even a dental abscess can be found and treated early, long before it causes severe pain or requires emergency care.”

A healthy smile is a confident smile

Damaged or missing teeth not only affect how you speak and eat, but how you feel about your appearance, too. Your teeth don’t need to be perfectly straight or extra white, but keeping them clean and free of plaque and tartar brightens smiles and boosts confidence.

“Regular checkups for children and adults help keep that confident smile,” says Dr. Imahiyerobo. “When restorative work is needed, we protect the teeth with fillings, crowns, veneers, even orthodontics and experts for wisdom tooth removal.”

Don’t wait for a toothache

The bottom line, according to Dr. Imahiyerobo, is not to wait for a problem or pain to schedule a dental visit. Regular checkups and cleanings are tied to your overall health and help catch potential problems before they become serious concerns.

“Prioritizing your oral health is part of taking care of your whole body,” says Dr. Imahiyerobo about keeping up with your professional dental cleanings. “Our goal is to help patients realize how regular dental visits can help you avoid periodontal disease, tooth decay and infections that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.”

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Published: October 30, 2026

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