As your dentist in Salida, our staff at Horizon Dental wants every patient to enjoy the very best oral health possible. While it’s easy to think of your oral health as only impacting the health of your teeth and gums, recent studies have found compelling evidence that suggests dental disease plays a far more important role in determining your long-term health. Research has found that individuals suffering from tooth decay and gum disease have a significantly higher risk of developing a range of chronic illnesses that include heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, diabetes and cancer. While further study examines these connections, it’s become clear that your oral health means far more to your overall health than previously believed.