Your Mouth: How It Has Consequences For Your Total Health
DENTAL AND ORAL PROBLEMS CAN IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR MOUTH
Every area of the human body influences the others, so issues that originate in one spot can have a far-reaching effect. In today's post, our group at MINT dentistry in Love Field talks about the links between your oral health and your overall health. Many research studies are in progress all over the world that are seeking to figure out how oral health impacts general health, as well as how overall health can impact oral health. Low oral health (in particular periodontal disease) can increase your risk of developing cardiac disease, make it more difficult to manage blood glucose, and, during pregnancy, harm the infant's health. Every one of these are key reasons to ensure you practice a suitable oral health system at home and attend biannual appointments with a dentist in Dallas, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR MOUTH HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
The mouth serves as a portal to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's no surprise that an infection or inflammation like periodontitis can swiftly advance to other areas of the body. Here are a few of the most alarming conditions that can be affected by your oral health:
- CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Scientists have data that suggests that inflammation of the teeth and gums (mostly from periodontal disease) can increase a person's potential for having a cardiac event or stroke. Studies are underway to explore the idea that oral bacteria can induce inflammation in the vascular system. - PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
The shifts in hormones during pregnancy can put an expecting mother at greater risk for having periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been associated with premature delivery and low birth weight. Therefore, it's especially important for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene each day to defend against periodontal disease and other oral health concerns. - DEMENTIA
Researchers are investigating the connection between good oral health and better cognitive function in the elderly. For patients with Alzheimer's disease, they have found a potential connection to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and lessening cognitive ability typically lead to more tooth and gum problems, presumably because the individual has difficulty maintaining his or her home oral care regimen. - DIABETES
Individuals with diabetes should pay special attention to their gum health to help control their blood sugar levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease may make it more difficult for your body to manage blood sugar. In times when you have trouble controlling your diabetes, arrange a checkup with a dentist in Dallas, TX to find out if periodontal disease is part of the difficulty.
IMPORTANT ORAL HEALTH ACTIONS
You have numerous ways to improve or sustain your oral health and, therefore, your general health. These begin with a diligent dental hygiene system at home and going to your dentist in Dallas, TX biannually.
- TELL YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dental practitioner, be open and honest regarding your medical history and any current conditions. Let him or her know if you have any relatives with heart disease, blood sugar issues, or gum disease. You might be asked to receive oral health assessments more often than once a year. - THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To improve the health of your teeth and gums, ask your dental hygienist about getting preventive treatments for added support in heading off dental issues. This could include tooth sealants, which will keep your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to strengthen your enamel. - TAKE CARE OF ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY
If your dentist identifies a problem, it's key to make an appointment right away to have it dealt with. If you have any signs of an oral health issue, including lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or painful eating, you need to arrange an evaluation. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH NO LESS THAN TWICE A DAY
No less than twice daily, you ought to be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be careful that you aren't pressing too roughly with the toothbrush, as this can wear down your enamel and bring on gum recession. - HAVE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often build up on your teeth, it's critical to go to your dentist in Dallas, TX a minimum of two times every year to undergo a professional cleaning. At these cleanings, your hygienist will examine your gum tissue and check for other evidence of gingivitis (the beginning stage of periodontal disease). - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Flossing is especially important in defending against gum problems. Adults and children should floss once a day to remove the plaque and food particles from between your teeth. To make sure you are flossing correctly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the appropriate way to floss at your next appointment. - HAVE ANNUAL ORAL EXAMS
During your yearly oral health evaluation, your dentist will use digital x-rays and other equipment to look for problems. Early management of issues can help you prevent bigger issues down the road. In addition, concerns that are caught early can generally be addressed with quicker, less invasive treatments. - TELL YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your doctor is prescribing you medicine for diabetes or cardiac disease, he or she should know about any oral health problems. Gum disease can have an especially big effect on your general health.
IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR TOTAL WELL-BEING
Begin prioritizing your oral health and boost your overall health. Scientists have evidence that shows that inflammation and microorganisms in your mouth could be damaging to your general health, both currently and later on. Paying attention to your gums and teeth is a significant part of your general well-being, so arrange a visit with a dental practitioner in Dallas, TX to receive an oral health exam and dental cleaning. When you need a fantastic team of experienced dental professionals who provide preventive care and restorative treatments, visit MINT dentistry in Love Field. We would be delighted to help your whole family attain radiant, healthy teeth at our practice in Dallas, TX.