Your Mouth: Why It Has Consequences For Your Overall Health
ORAL HEALTH ISSUES CAN EXTEND BEYOND YOUR MOUTH
Every single organ in your body influences the others, so problems that begin in one place can create a much wider impact. In this post, our group at MINT dentistry in Lancaster goes over the connections between your dental and oral health and your complete health. Many studies are being conducted across the globe that are seeking to determine how oral health influences general health, as well as how general health can affect oral health. Low oral health (notably periodontal disease) can increase your probability of developing cardiac disease, make it more difficult to control diabetes, and, in women who are expecting, affect the baby's health. Every one of these are outstanding reasons to ensure you establish a suitable oral health routine at home and schedule bi-annual appointments with a dental practitioner in Dallas, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS IMPACT YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is essentially a portal to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's no surprise that an infection or inflammation, such as gingivitis, can quickly extend to diverse locations of the body. Here are some of the most serious conditions that can be affected by your oral health:
- ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Scientists are exploring the link between good dental health and higher cognitive function in the elderly. In individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a likely connection to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and lessening cognitive ability often lead to more oral problems, most likely because the individual has trouble keeping to his or her home oral care practices. - CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Studies have found data that shows that swelling of the teeth and gums (typically from gum disease) can increase someone's chances of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Research is underway to examine the idea that bacteria in your mouth may lead to inflammation in the veins. - DIABETES
People with diabetes need to pay special attention to their oral health to help manage their insulin levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease may make it more challenging for the body to manage blood sugar. If you have a problem with controlling your diabetes, set up an evaluation with a dental practitioner in Dallas, TX to see if gum disease might be part of your problem. - PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can put women at elevated risk for getting periodontal disease. Gestational gingivitis causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having late-stage gum disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been associated with early birth and low birth weight. Therefore, it's extremely important for expecting mothers to brush and floss each day to head off gum disease and other oral health concerns.
KEY ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
There are many ways to improve or maintain your oral health and, in turn, your general health. These begin with a thorough oral hygiene system at home and going to your dentist in Dallas, TX bi-annually.
- TELL YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your doctor is treating you for blood sugar issues or cardiovascular disease, he or she needs to be informed of any oral health problems. Periodontal disease can have a particularly big impact on your total health. - HANDLE ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
If your dentist spots an issue, make sure you schedule an appointment right away to have it addressed. If you have any signs of an oral health problem, for example, lingering toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or problems chewing, you should set up an evaluation. - SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
To eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, you should go to your dentist in Dallas, TX a minimum of two times every year to have a professional cleaning. At these cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gum tissue and check for other signs of gingivitis (the initial stage of periodontal disease). - TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When talking to your dental practitioner, be candid regarding your medical history and all of your current conditions. Alert him or her if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or periodontal disease. You might be encouraged to receive oral health examinations more often than once a year. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Flossing is particularly important in preventing periodontal problems. You ought to floss every day to eliminate the plaque and food particles from between your teeth. To ensure you are flossing the right way, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to show you the most productive way to floss at your next appointment. - SCHEDULE YEARLY ORAL EXAMS
At your yearly oral health examination, your dentist will use digital radiography and other diagnostic technology to look for concerns. Early awareness of issues should help you avoid more serious issues down the road. Plus, problems that are caught early can usually be fixed with easier, less invasive procedures. - BRUSH A MINIMUM OF TWICE A DAY
At minimum two times daily, you should be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be careful that you aren't scrubbing too aggressively with the toothbrush, since this can wear down your enamel and promote receding gums. - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To improve your oral health, talk to your dental practitioner about having preventive options to assist in preventing dental problems. This may include dental sealants, which will keep your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to fortify your enamel.
IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR GENERAL WELL-BEING
Start paying attention to your teeth and gums and support your whole body. Researchers have evidence that indicates that inflammation and germs in your mouth have the potential to be damaging to your general health, both currently and over time. Prioritizing your mouth is a critical part of your general health, so make time for a checkup with a dental practitioner in Dallas, TX to receive an oral health exam and dental cleaning. If you need a fantastic team of skilled dental practitioners who are able to give preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, contact MINT dentistry in Lancaster. We would value the chance to help you and your family attain gorgeous, healthy smiles at our location in Dallas, TX.