Dental Health And How It Impacts Your Overall Health
ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR MOUTH
Each part of the human body influences the others, so issues that originate in one spot can create a far-reaching impact. In today's blog, our group at MINT dentistry in Highland Hotel explores the links between your dental and oral health and your total health. Hundreds of research studies are in progress all over the world that are venturing to determine how oral health affects overall health or how general health can affect oral health. Poor oral health (notably periodontal disease) can increase your likelihood of developing heart disease, make it more challenging to regulate diabetes, and, during pregnancy, affect the baby's health. All of these are excellent reasons to make sure you establish a good oral health routine at home and schedule regular visits with a dentist in Dallas, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
Your mouth is basically a direct pathway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's no surprise that a disease or inflammation like periodontitis can gradually spread to various locations of the body. Here are the top four most serious conditions that may be affected by oral health:
- ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Scientists are investigating the relationship between good oral health and increased cognitive function in seniors. In patients who have Alzheimer's disease, there is a reasonable link to poor oral health. Dementia and decreased cognitive ability often spur more tooth and gum problems, presumably because the person has difficulty sticking to his or her home oral care regimen. - DIABETES
Men and women with diabetes should give special attention to the condition of their gums to help manage their insulin levels. Persistent or untreated gum disease can make it more challenging for the body to manage blood sugar. In times when you have trouble controlling your diabetes, set up a consultation with a dental practitioner in Dallas, TX to figure out if gum disease might be part of the issue. - PREGNANCY CONCERNS
Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can put an expecting mother at elevated risk for having periodontal disease. Gestational gingivitis causes inflamed gums that are prone to bleeding. Having advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been connected to premature delivery and underweight newborns. Therefore, it's especially important for pregnant women to brush and floss daily to prevent periodontal disease and other oral health concerns. - HEART PROBLEMS
Studies have found data that indicates that inflammation in the oral cavity (usually from periodontal disease) can raise a person's probability of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Research is underway to investigate the idea that bacteria in your mouth could induce swelling in the veins.
KEY ORAL HYGIENE ACTIONS
There are numerous things you can do to improve or keep up your oral health and, as a result, your total health. These include a good oral hygiene system at home and visiting your dentist in Dallas, TX regularly.
- SPEAK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dentist, be frank regarding your medical history and all of your existing health conditions. Tell him or her if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You may need to set up oral health examinations more often than once a year. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH NO LESS THAN TWICE DAILY
At least two times every day, you should be cleaning your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't scrubbing too aggressively with your toothbrush, because this can erode your enamel and cause a receding gum line. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Flossing your teeth is extremely important in defending against gum issues. You should floss every day to clean out the plaque and debris from between your teeth. To check that you are flossing correctly, ask your dentist or hygienist to teach you the appropriate way to floss at your next visit. - THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To enhance your oral health, talk to your dental hygienist about having preventive options to assist in preventing dental issues. This can include dental sealants, which help defend your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to harden your enamel. - SCHEDULE ANNUAL ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
For your yearly oral health assessment, your dental team will use digital x-rays and other technology to look for problems. Early awareness of problems will help you avoid more concerning problems later. Plus, problems that are detected early can generally be handled with easier, less invasive procedures. - SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, it's critical to visit a dentist in Dallas, TX at least two times a year to have a dental cleaning. As part of these cleanings, your dentist will check your gum pockets and look for other evidence of gingivitis (the initial stage of gum disease). - HANDLE ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS PROMPTLY
In the event that your dentist finds an issue, it's key to schedule an appointment ASAP to have it taken care of. If you have any symptoms of an oral health problem, for example, chronic toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or trouble chewing, you need to arrange an appointment. - TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your general practitioner is treating you for diabetes or heart disease, he or she needs to be told about any oral health issues. Periodontal disease can have an especially big impact on your overall health.
UPGRADE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR GENERAL HEALTH
Begin paying attention to your teeth and gums and improve your whole body. Scientists have evidence that indicates that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth may be harmful to your general health, both now and over time. Taking care of your gums and teeth is a crucial part of your general health, so make time for a visit with a dentist in Dallas, TX to receive an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. If you need a terrific team of experienced dental professionals who offer preventive care as well as restorative treatments, contact MINT dentistry in Highland Hotel. We would value the chance to help your whole family attain radiant, healthy teeth at our location in Dallas, TX.