Dental Health — Why It Influences Your General Health
ORAL HEALTH ISSUES MAY EXTEND BEYOND YOUR MOUTH
Every area of your body can impact other areas, so issues that originate in one spot can create a much wider effect. In today's article, our team at MINT dentistry in Mesquite discusses the connections between your oral health and your wider physical health. Multiple research studies are in progress all over the world that are endeavoring to figure out how oral health affects overall health or how overall health can have consequences for oral health. Poor oral health (for example, gum disease) can increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, make it tougher to control blood glucose, and, if you are expecting, impact the baby's health. All of these are key reasons to ensure you establish a good oral health routine at home and make bi-annual visits with a dental professional in Mesquite, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR MOUTH INFLUENCE YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
Your mouth serves as a direct pathway to vital organs, such as the stomach and even the brain. It makes sense that a disease or inflammation in the mouth can gradually spread to various areas of your body. Here are a few of the biggest conditions that may be affected by your oral health:
- ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Researchers are examining the link between good dental health and higher cognitive function in seniors. In individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, they have found a potential correlation to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and poor cognitive ability generally lead to more oral problems, presumably because the patient has difficulty keeping to his or her home oral care practices. - DIABETES
Men and women with diabetes should pay special attention to their gum health to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Recurring or untreated periodontal disease may make it more strenuous for the body to control blood sugar. In the event that you have a problem with regulating your diabetes, arrange an appointment with a dentist in Mesquite, TX to ascertain if periodontal disease might be part of the difficulty. - CORONARY PROBLEMS
There is evidence that shows that swelling in the oral cavity (generally from gum disease) can raise a person's risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Studies are being done to examine the idea that oral bacteria may induce inflammation in the vascular system. - PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
The shifts in hormones during pregnancy can put women at elevated risk for getting gum disease. Gestational gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Having progressive gum disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been associated with early birth and underweight newborns. It follows that it's especially important for expecting mothers to brush and floss every day to prevent gum disease and other oral health concerns.
CRUCIAL ORAL HEALTH STEPS
There are many ways to improve or keep up your oral health and, in turn, your general health. These begin with a thorough oral hygiene system at home and seeing your dentist in Mesquite, TX twice a year.
- TALK TO YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dental practitioner, be frank about your medical history and all of your existing medical conditions. Notify him or her if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You may be asked to schedule oral health assessments more often than one time per year. - HAVE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that can collect on your teeth, it's essential that you visit a dentist in Mesquite, TX a minimum of two times a year to be given a dental cleaning. At these cleanings, your hygienist will check your gum pockets and check for other indications of gingivitis (the beginning stage of gum disease). - FLOSS YOUR TEETH EVERY DAY
Flossing your teeth is extremely important in defending against gum issues. Adults and children need to floss once a day to eliminate the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. To verify you are flossing the right way, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the most effective way to floss at your next cleaning. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH AT LEAST TWICE PER DAY
At minimum two times each day, you ought to be brushing your teeth for no less than two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Check that you aren't pressing too aggressively with your toothbrush, because it can eat away at your enamel and result in a receding gum line. - TAKE CARE OF ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
If your dentist spots a problem, make sure you make an appointment promptly to have it addressed. If you develop any indications of an oral health issue, including chronic toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or problems eating, you should set up an appointment. - CONSIDER PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To boost the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your oral hygienist about having preventive treatments to help in avoiding dental issues. These might include tooth sealants, which will defend your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to fortify your enamel. - HAVE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL EXAMS
During your yearly oral health evaluation, your dental practitioner will use digital radiography and other diagnostic tools to check for problems. Early treatment of problems will help you defend against more concerning problems later. Plus, concerns that are detected early can generally be handled with easier, less invasive procedures. - INFORM YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
If your general practitioner is treating you for insulin problems or cardiovascular disease, he or she should be informed of any periodontal issues. Periodontal disease can have an especially big influence on your overall health.
BOOST YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Start prioritizing your teeth and gums and improve your overall health. Researchers have evidence that indicates that swelling and redness and microorganisms in your mouth have the potential to be damaging to your general health, both currently and later on. Taking care of your mouth is an important part of your overall health, so plan an appointment with a dental practitioner in Mesquite, TX to have an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. If you're looking for an excellent team of knowledgeable dental practitioners who provide preventive care and restorative treatments, visit MINT dentistry in Mesquite. We would value the chance to help your whole family maintain stunning, healthy smiles at our office in Mesquite, TX.