Dental Care And Why It Is Connected to Your Overall Physical Health
TOOTH AND GUM PROBLEMS COULD POTENTIALLY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Each area of the human body is connected, so issues that originate in one spot can cause a far-reaching chain reaction. In today's post, our team at MINT dentistry in Bishop Arts examines the links between your oral health and your total health. Various studies are underway across the globe that are endeavoring to determine how oral health influences general health, as well as how overall health can affect oral health. Poor oral health (for example, gum disease) can elevate your potential for developing cardiac disease, make it tougher to control blood glucose, and, if you are expecting, impact the infant's health. All of these are excellent reasons to ensure you have a good oral health routine at home and make regular visits with a dental professional in Dallas, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
Your mouth is essentially a direct pathway to vital organs, such as the stomach and even the brain. It's no surprise that an infection or inflammation like periodontitis can easily extend to diverse parts of the body. These are a few of the common conditions that can be influenced by oral health:
- PREGNANCY CONCERNS
The changes in hormones during gestation can put women at greater risk for developing gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes inflamed gums that tend to bleed. Having late-stage gum disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been linked to early birth and low birth weight. It follows that it's especially important for women to brush and floss each day to prevent gum disease and other oral health concerns. - DIABETES
Those with diabetes should give careful attention to their oral health to help control their blood sugar levels. Persistent or untreated gum disease could make it more strenuous for the body to manage blood sugar. If you have a problem with managing your blood sugar, schedule a consultation with a dental practitioner in Dallas, TX to find out if gum disease could be part of your difficulty. - HEART PROBLEMS
Studies have found evidence that shows that inflammation in the mouth (mostly from periodontal disease) can raise a person's chances of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Research is underway to explore the theory that oral bacteria can lead to inflammation in the veins. - DEMENTIA
Researchers are investigating the link between good oral health and increased cognitive function in seniors. For individuals with Alzheimer's disease, they have found a possible link to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and decreased cognitive ability frequently bring on more oral problems, presumably because the individual has difficulty maintaining their home oral care regimen.
IMPORTANT ORAL HEALTH ACTIONS
There are a lot of things you can do to upgrade or keep up your oral health and, subsequently, your total health. These begin with a diligent dental hygiene regimen at home and seeing your dentist in Dallas, TX bi-annually.
- HAVE DENTAL CLEANINGS BI-ANNUALLY
In order to remove the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, you need to visit a dentist in Dallas, TX no less than two times a year to have a professional cleaning. During these cleanings, your dentist will examine your gum tissue and look for other indications of gingivitis (the primary stage of periodontal disease). - TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dental practitioner, be direct about your medical history and any current health conditions. Let him or her know if you have a family history of heart disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You may need to come in for oral health assessments more often than once a year. - BE OPEN WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
If your general practitioner is prescribing you medicine for insulin problems or cardiac disease, he or she should be told about any tooth or gum problems. Gum disease can have an especially big effect on your total health. - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To boost the health of your teeth and gums, ask your oral hygienist about using preventive treatments for added support in heading off dental issues. These can include dental sealants, which help defend your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to fortify your enamel. - TEND TO ORAL HEALTH ISSUES PROMPTLY
In cases where your dentist spots a problem, make sure you make an appointment promptly to have it taken care of. If you develop any symptoms of an oral health issue, for example, persistent toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or discomfort while chewing, you need to arrange an exam. - SCHEDULE YEARLY COMPREHENSIVE ORAL HEALTH EXAMS
At your yearly oral health exam, your dental practitioner will use digital x-rays and other tools to check for concerns. Early management of issues can help you defend against bigger issues in the long run. Plus, concerns that are caught early can usually be fixed with simpler, less invasive treatments. - BRUSH AT LEAST TWO TIMES A DAY
At least twice each day, you need to be brushing your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure you aren't scrubbing too roughly with the toothbrush, since it can wear down your enamel and lead to receding gums. - FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY
Flossing your teeth is extremely important in avoiding gum disease. You ought to floss once a day to remove the plaque and debris from between your teeth. To ensure you are flossing correctly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the best way to floss at your next appointment.
BOOST YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Begin paying attention to your oral health and strengthen your whole body. There is evidence that shows that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth have the potential to be damaging to your overall health, both currently and in the future. Prioritizing your mouth is a key part of your general health, so plan a checkup with a dentist in Dallas, TX to receive an oral health assessment and dental cleaning. When you need a great team of knowledgeable dental professionals who provide preventive care and restorative treatments, get in touch with MINT dentistry in Bishop Arts. We would value the chance to help your whole family get shining, healthy teeth at our location in Dallas, TX.