Oral Health — How It Affects Your Overall Physical Health
DENTAL AND ORAL PROBLEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR MOUTH
Every part of your body is connected, so problems that show up in one place can cause a much wider impact. In this post, our team at MINT dentistry in White Rock goes over the links between your dental and oral health and your wider physical health. Many studies are underway across the globe that are seeking to determine how oral health impacts general health or how general health can impact oral health. Low oral health (for example, gum disease) can elevate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, make it more difficult to manage diabetes, and if you are pregnant, impact the infant's health. All of these are key reasons to ensure you practice a suitable oral health system at home and schedule biannual visits with a dentist in Dallas, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
The mouth serves as a portal to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It's no surprise that an infection or inflammation in the mouth can gradually extend to numerous areas of the body. Here are a few of the biggest conditions that can be affected by your oral health:
- PREGNANCY ISSUES
The changes in hormones during pregnancy can put an expecting mother at increased risk for developing periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having advanced gum disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been shown to correlate with early delivery and low birth weight. It follows that it's quite important for women to practice good oral hygiene every day to avoid periodontitis and other oral health issues. - DIABETES
Men and women with diabetes should pay special attention to the condition of their gums to help control their insulin levels. Recurring or untreated periodontal disease may make it more difficult for your body to manage blood sugar. If you have a problem with regulating your diabetes, arrange an appointment with a dentist in Dallas, TX to determine if periodontal disease is part of your issue. - CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
Studies have found data that suggests that swelling of the teeth and gums (almost always from periodontal disease) can increase a person's probability of having a cardiac event or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is underway to explore the theory that oral bacteria may bring about swelling in the veins. - DEMENTIA
Scientists are looking at the relationship between good oral health and better cognitive function in the elderly. For women and men who have Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a likely correlation to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and lessening cognitive function generally lead to more oral problems, most likely because the person has trouble sticking to his or her home oral care regimen.
KEY ORAL HEALTH STEPS
There are a lot of things you can do to strengthen or retain your oral health, and subsequently, your total health. These begin with a good dental hygiene system at home and going to your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX biannually.
- TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When speaking to your dentist, be direct regarding your medical history and any current medical conditions. Let him or her know if you have any relatives with cardiovascular disease, blood sugar issues, or periodontal disease. You may need to come in for oral health examinations more often than once a year. - BE OPEN WITH YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your doctor is prescribing you medicine for insulin problems or cardiovascular disease, he or she needs to be informed of any tooth or gum problems. Gum disease can have a considerable effect on your general health. - TEND TO ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS PROMPTLY
If your dentist finds a problem, be sure to make an appointment promptly to get it dealt with. If you develop any indications of an oral health problem, including lingering toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or difficulty eating, you need to arrange an evaluation. - THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To enhance the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your dental hygienist about having preventive options to assist in warding off dental problems. This could include tooth sealants, which will guard your molars from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel. - SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often build up on your teeth, you should go to your dentist in Dallas, TX no less than twice per year to be given a dental cleaning. During these cleanings, your dental practitioner will check your gum pockets and look for other signs of gingivitis (the beginning stage of gum disease). - FLOSS YOUR TEETH EVERY DAY
Flossing is especially important in preventing periodontal issues. Adults and children need to floss once a day to extract the plaque and debris from the spaces between your teeth. To confirm you are flossing the right way, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the most effective way to floss at your next visit. - BRUSH AT LEAST TWO TIMES A DAY
At least two times a day, you need to be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Be careful that you aren't scrubbing too aggressively with the toothbrush because this can eat away at your enamel and cause gum recession. - HAVE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL HEALTH CHECKUPS
For your annual oral health checkup, your dental practitioner will use digital radiography and other diagnostic technology to look for issues. Early diagnosis of problems can help you prevent more serious issues in the long run. In addition, issues that are caught early can typically be remedied with easier, less invasive procedures.
BOOST YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Start prioritizing your teeth and gums and support your whole body. Researchers have evidence that indicates that inflammation and germs in your mouth may be damaging to your general health, both now and in the future. Prioritizing your gums and teeth is a crucial part of your general wellness, so arrange a visit with a dentist in Dallas, TX to get an oral health evaluation and dental cleaning. If you're looking for an excellent team of knowledgeable dental professionals who provide preventive care, as well as restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in White Rock. We would value the chance to help you and your family maintain beautiful, healthy teeth at our office in Dallas, TX.