Your Mouth: Why It Has Consequences For Your Overall Physical Health
ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Each and every area of your body is connected, so issues that originate in one spot can have a much wider effect. In today's post, our team at MINT dentistry in Carrollton examines the connections between your oral health and your general health. Many studies are underway all over the world that are trying to determine how oral health affects overall health and how overall health can affect oral health. Poor oral health (notably periodontal disease) can elevate your potential for developing cardiac disease, make it more complicated to regulate diabetes, and, if you are expecting, harm the baby's health. Each of these are important reasons to make sure you have a suitable oral health regimen at home and make bi-annual visits with a dental practitioner in Dallas, TX.
HOW CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH INFLUENCE YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
Your mouth acts as a gateway to vital organs, such as the stomach and even the brain. It's understandable that a disease or inflammation in the oral cavity can gradually advance to different locations of the body. Here are a few of the nastiest conditions that could be influenced by your oral health:
- ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Researchers are exploring the relationship between good dental health and higher cognitive function in the elderly. In individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, they have found a reasonable connection to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and lessening cognitive function frequently spur more tooth and gum problems, most likely because the person has difficulty maintaining his or her home oral care regimen. - DIABETES
Patients with diabetes need to pay careful attention to their gum health to help regulate their insulin levels. Lingering or untreated gum disease can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar. If you ever have trouble regulating your diabetes, schedule an evaluation with a dentist in Dallas, TX to figure out if periodontal disease might be part of the difficulty. - CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Scientists have data that suggests that inflammation of the teeth and gums (generally from gum disease) can elevate a person's risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Research is being done to examine the theory that bacteria in your mouth may cause swelling in the veins. - PREGNANCY ISSUES
The swings in hormones during gestation can put a woman at elevated risk for getting periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having progressive gum disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been connected to premature birth and low birth weight. So, it's extremely important for expecting mothers to brush and floss each day to head off periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
KEY ORAL HYGIENE ACTIONS
You have a lot of things you can do to upgrade or maintain your oral health and, as a result, your total health. These begin with a thorough oral hygiene system at home and seeing your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX twice a year.
- HAVE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
To eliminate the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, it's essential that you visit a dentist in Dallas, TX at least twice a year to have a professional cleaning. During these cleanings, your hygienist will examine your gums and look for other indications of gingivitis (the primary stage of periodontitis). - TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When talking to your dentist, be direct regarding your medical history and any existing conditions. Let him or her know if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, insulin issues, or periodontal disease. You may be asked to set up oral health examinations more often than yearly. - SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
If your doctor is treating you for diabetes or cardiac disease, he or she needs to be informed of any tooth or gum problems. Periodontal disease can have a particularly big influence on your total health. - HANDLE ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
If your dentist identifies an issue, make sure you schedule an appointment promptly to have it dealt with. If you have any symptoms of an oral health issue, for example, persistent toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or problems chewing, you should arrange an evaluation. - GET YEARLY ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
During your annual oral health assessment, your dental team will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic equipment to look for concerns. Early treatment of problems will help you defend against more serious issues down the road. In addition, issues that are detected early can usually be handled with easier, less invasive treatments. - FLOSS DAILY
Flossing your teeth is especially important in defending against periodontal issues. You ought to floss once a day to remove the plaque and food particles from between your teeth. To verify you are flossing correctly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to teach you the proper way to floss at your next appointment. - BRUSH AT LEAST TWO TIMES DAILY
At least two times per day, you ought to be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Be careful that you aren't pressing too roughly with your toothbrush, because this can eat away at your enamel and promote gum recession. - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To boost the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your dentist about having preventive options for added support in warding off dental problems. This can include dental sealants, which can keep your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel.
IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR GENERAL WELL-BEING
Start taking care of your oral health and improve your general health. There is evidence to suggest that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth may be damaging to your overall health, both currently and later on. Paying attention to your mouth is an important part of your general well-being, so plan an appointment with a dental practitioner in Dallas, TX to get an oral health evaluation and dental cleaning. If you need a terrific team of experienced dental practitioners who offer preventive care and restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in Carrollton. We would be delighted to help you and your family attain radiant, healthy teeth at our office in Dallas, TX.