Your Mouth And Why It Affects Your Overall Health
TOOTH AND GUM PROBLEMS MAY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Each and every organ in the human body is connected, so issues that originate in one spot can have a far-reaching impact. In today's post, our group at MINT dentistry in South Arlington talks about the connections between your teeth and gums and your overall health. Many studies are in progress across the globe that are seeking to determine how oral health affects overall health, as well as how general health can affect oral health. Imperfect oral health (for example, gum disease) can elevate your risk of developing cardiac disease, make it harder to control diabetes, and, during pregnancy, affect the baby's health. All of these are great reasons to ensure you have a suitable oral health routine at home and set up regular visits with a dental practitioner in Arlington, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is the gateway to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It makes sense that a disease or inflammation, such as gingivitis, can quickly spread to numerous parts of your body. Here are the top four most alarming conditions that may be affected by oral health:
- HEART DISEASE
Scientists have evidence that shows that swelling in the mouth (usually from periodontal disease) can raise a person's chances of having a cardiac event or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is being conducted to look at the idea that oral bacteria could trigger inflammation in the veins. - PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
The shifts in hormones during gestation can put an expecting mother at higher risk for getting periodontal disease. Gestational gingivitis causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having late-stage periodontal disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been tied to premature birth and low birth weight. This is why it's crucial for expecting mothers to brush and floss daily to prevent periodontitis and other oral health problems. - ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Researchers are looking at the connection between good dental health and increased cognitive function in older patients. In patients who have Alzheimer's disease, they have found a reasonable connection to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and low cognitive function typically lead to more tooth and gum problems, presumably because the patient has difficulty keeping to their home oral care practices. - DIABETES
Those with diabetes would be wise to pay careful attention to the condition of their gums to help control their insulin levels. Recurring or untreated gum disease could make it harder for the body to manage blood sugar. In cases where you have trouble controlling your diabetes, set up an evaluation with a dentist in Arlington, TX to see if gum disease could be part of the problem.
IMPORTANT ORAL HEALTH FACTORS
You have numerous ways to improve or keep up your oral health and, consequently, your overall health. These begin with a diligent oral hygiene regimen at home and seeing your dental practitioner in Arlington, TX biannually.
- BRUSH YOUR TEETH AT LEAST TWO TIMES DAILY
At least twice every day, you should be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Check that you aren't pressing too roughly with the toothbrush, because it can eat away at your enamel and result in a receding gum line. - INFORM YOUR DOCTOR 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 tooth or gum problems. Gum disease can have a particularly big effect on your general health. - THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To improve your oral health, talk to your oral hygienist about getting preventive options for added support in heading off dental issues. This often includes dental sealants, which will defend your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to strengthen your enamel. - TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When talking to your dentist, be straightforward regarding your medical history and any current conditions. Inform him or her if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, blood sugar issues, or periodontal disease. You may need to set up oral health assessments more often than once a year. - ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH ISSUES ASAP
In the event that your dentist identifies a problem, make sure you schedule an appointment ASAP to get it addressed. If you develop any indications of an oral health issue, for example, lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or discomfort while eating, you need to schedule a visit. - FLOSS YOUR TEETH AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Flossing is particularly important in warding off gum issues. Adults and children ought to floss once a day to remove the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. To confirm you are flossing properly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the best way to floss at your next appointment. - SCHEDULE YEARLY ORAL HEALTH CHECKUPS
During your yearly oral health checkup, your dental team will use digital radiography and other tools to check for problems. Early treatment of problems can help you avoid worse problems down the road. In addition, problems that are detected early can typically be fixed with simpler, noninvasive procedures. - SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often build up on your teeth, it's important to visit a dentist in Arlington, TX a minimum of twice per year to be given a professional cleaning. During your cleanings, your dentist will examine your gum pockets and look for other evidence of gingivitis (the beginning stage of gum disease).
IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Begin taking care of your oral health and boost your whole body. There is evidence that shows that inflammation and bacteria in your mouth have the potential to be damaging to your general health, both now and long term. Prioritizing your mouth is a crucial part of your general well-being, so schedule a visit with a dental practitioner in Arlington, TX to have an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. When you need a fantastic team of experienced dental practitioners who are able to give preventive care and restorative treatments, contact MINT dentistry in South Arlington. We would love to help your whole family attain radiant, healthy smiles at our practice in Arlington, TX.