Mortenson Dental Partners launched "A healthy smile means a healthier you," a campaign to increase the awareness of the link between dental and overall health.
Without good oral hygiene practices, bacteria can build up in the mouth, which can have a negative impact on not just dental health. The buildup can lead to gum disease, a rise in blood sugar and a higher risk for Alzhiemer's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, according to a Feb. 8 news release shared with Becker's.
The campaign hopes to raise awareness of the connection between dental and overall health by providing tips and preventive measures for maintaining good oral health through monthly blog posts, social media posts and educational resources on the company's website.
An additional measure the campaign promotes is visiting a dentist twice per year to check for signs of gum disease and to receive guidance on good oral health habits, the release said.
Mortenson Dental Partners supports 140 practices across nine states and has more than one million patient visits per year.