Don’t Hold the Mayo! Dental Advice From Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dentistry and the Mayo Clinic

There’s a reason for that proverbial image of the kindly old doctor asking their child patient to, “Open your mouth and let me take a peek.” The reason is because

So your caring Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella and their staff at Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic want to help you understand the connections between your oral health care, dental procedures and the rest of your physical health. We don’t want dental problems to go unnoticed and negatively affect your general health.

How can our dental services at Dakota Dental Apple Valley dentistry improve your health?

Well, our Apple Valley Dental Clinic happens to be in the backyard of the world renown, Mayo Clinic. So let’s see what they have to say about dental procedures and your health. (As summarized from, Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health written by Mayo Clinic staff.)

Your oral health can contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

• Endocarditis. Gum disease can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).
• Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease.
• Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
• Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more-frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, and they may lose more teeth than do people who have good blood sugar control.
• Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
• Alzheimer’s disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

So, what does your Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic suggest?

• Tell your Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett, if you’re taking medications or have any changes in your health — especially if you’ve had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition.
• Brush and floss well and regularly of course!
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
  • Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
  • Schedule regular dental services to prevent oral disease.

Come in and see us at Dakota Dental Apple Valley dental clinic! Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.

Now through August, Dakota Dental Family Dental Clinic is offering professional teeth whitening valued from $450 to $460 for only $250 to $275. Dakota Dental’s dental procedures for teeth whitening uses a professional prescription gel proven to kill the bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay – so patients who take advantage of Dakota Dental’s professional teeth whitening services have healthier teeth, are less likely to suffer from gum disease, protect their overall health and have the added bonus of a bright, white, beautiful smile!