We all know that brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time, flossing at least once a day, and visiting Dr. Peterson at least twice a year for a cleaning and exam is the best way to prevent cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. But did you know that oral health directly affects our overall body health, and the care of the rest of the body, too?It’s true! Bacteria from gum disease can infiltrate the bloodstream, affecting not just the blood, but the brain and heart as well. It can also cause many complications when it comes to having other procedures.Have you ever had a surgical procedure? If so, your doctor may have recommended you visit the dentist first, especially if you are experiencing any aches and pains in the mouth, bleeding gums, or if you know you have gum disease. But why visit the dentist before, say, a knee replacement? The knee bone is most definitely not connected to the jaw bone, after all.But it is if you really think about it. That’s because healing from a surgical procedure requires your body to be at its very healthiest. That’s why doctors often ask patients to quit smoking, lose weight, or make dietary changes before some surgeries. It’s no different for oral health care. One infection in the mouth can slow or complicate surgery from another area in the body as easily as it wreak havoc on the mouth.If you are slated for a surgical procedure and your doctor does not recommend a trip to Dr. Peterson, it’s in your best interest to take the initiative to schedule an appointment with him just to be safe and rule out any infections or other problems that may cause serious complications in your surgical healing process.If you know of an oral infection, speak to your doctor and Dr. Peterson about getting treated for that infection prior to your surgery if possible. This will increase your odds of a speedy recovery, not to mention help protect your oral and overall body health.To schedule an appointment with Dr. Peterson, please contact the office today.