
Whole-Body Wellness Begins in the Mouth: Insights From Dr. Alma Sánchez

When you think about staying healthy, which parts of your body come to mind? You might think about your heart, lungs, or body fat percentage. But did you know that your oral health—what’s going on in and around your mouth—can significantly impact your overall wellness, longevity, and risk of infection?
That’s why dental care is an essential part of your health. At Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva, our team of family medicine doctors provides not only general medical care but also dental services. We offer preventive care to keep your mouth healthy and treatment for dental or oral health issues that could impact your overall well-being.
Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva has locations in Porterville, Lindsay, Visalia, and Woodlake, California. At our Lindsay location, Dr. Alma Sánchez, an experienced dentist, treats new and existing patients of all ages.
In this blog, Dr. Sánchez shares how oral health is connected to your other primary care needs. Don’t hesitate to contact our family practice with any questions you may have about your oral health.
Your Mouth and Your Health Risks, Explained
Why does your mouth play such a significant role in your whole-body health? As a gateway to the rest of your body, your mouth is where you take in food and nutrients that help keep you energetic and strong. But it’s also a place where infections can develop and spread if not properly cared for.
To keep your digestive system running smoothly, you need your teeth to be strong, intact, and well-aligned. Proper chewing breaks down food into smaller pieces, making it easier for your body to digest and absorb nutrients. Chewing thoroughly helps reduce pressure on your esophagus and stomach, ensuring your body can absorb all the nutrients from your diet.
If you’re not sure what foods to include in a healthy diet, the knowledgeable Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva team provides nutritional and dietary counseling to help guide you toward better eating habits.
Good oral health improves digestion, while poor oral health can increase your risk of infections and even heart disease. Issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss can have far-reaching consequences for your overall health.
An empty tooth socket or an infected tooth creates a space for harmful bacteria to grow. If these bacteria spread through your bloodstream, you could face severe health complications like septic shock. Because bacteria can easily travel from your mouth into your system, it’s crucial to take care of your oral health to prevent these risks.
Caring for Your Oral, Dental, and Whole-Body Health
At Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva, we provide comprehensive dental care for both kids and adults under the leadership of Dr. Sánchez, who has over 20 years of experience. Dr. Sánchez is fluent in both English and Spanish and is dedicated to supporting you and your family in improving your oral health.
Whether your child needs early checkups to establish good dental habits or if an adult in your family could benefit from dental care, we are here to help. We offer preventive dental exams, digital X-rays, dental sealants, and if necessary, fillings or even tooth extractions.
Dr. Sánchez shows her patients how to take great care of their teeth, gums, and oral tissues—like the tongue. She demonstrates the proper way to brush and floss, emphasizing the importance of brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Keeping your mouth free from plaque buildup and bacterial growth is essential to preventing oral health issues.
If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity or have experienced significant tooth decay, consider adjusting your diet by reducing acidic and sugary foods and drinks. Your overall health can improve by making simple changes to your diet and hygiene routine.
Exciting News: Dr. Stella Tam Joins Our Team!
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Stella Tam will be joining our team at Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva! Dr. Tam will begin seeing patients at our Woodlake location starting on September 19. We are excited to have her onboard to provide high-quality care to our community.
For expert dental and oral health care to ensure whole-body wellness, families in Lindsay, Exeter, Strathmore, and the Tulare County area should contact Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva. Call our Lindsay and or Woodlake location to schedule your dental checkup or consultation appointment, or use our online tool to book your visit today.
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