Oral Health — Why It Impacts Your Overall Physical Health
ORAL HEALTH ISSUES MAY AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR MOUTH
Each part of the human body influences the others, so problems that show up in one place can cause a far-reaching impact. In today's article, our team at MINT dentistry in Heights goes over the links between your teeth and gums and your complete health. Many studies are underway across the globe that are trying to determine how oral health affects general health and how overall health can impact oral health. Imperfect oral health (for example, periodontal disease) can elevate your potential for ending up with heart disease, make it more complicated to control diabetes, and in pregnant women, affect the infant's health. Every one of these is key reasons to make sure you practice a good oral health system at home and schedule regular appointments with a dentist in Houston, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR MOUTH AFFECT YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
The mouth is a portal to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It's understandable that a disease or inflammation, like periodontitis, can gradually spread to various parts of the body. These are a few of the most threatening conditions that may be affected by your oral health:
- DIABETES
Men and women with diabetes need to pay careful attention to their gum health to help control their insulin levels. Recurring or untreated periodontal disease may make it tougher for the body to regulate blood sugar. If you have trouble managing your blood sugar, arrange a visit with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to find out if gum disease is part of your issue. - PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
Fluctuating hormones during gestation can put a woman at higher risk of getting periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes inflamed gums that are prone to bleeding. Having advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been shown to correlate with early delivery and low birth weight. So, it's particularly important for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene every day to steer clear of gum disease and other oral health concerns. - DEMENTIA
Scientists are examining the connection between good dental health and better cognitive function in older patients. In individuals with Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a potential link to poor oral health. Alzheimer's disease and impaired cognitive ability frequently lead to more tooth and gum problems, probably because the patient has trouble sticking to their home oral care routine. - CORONARY DISEASE
Studies have found data that suggests that swelling in the oral cavity (generally from periodontal disease) can elevate a person's risk of having a cardiac event or stroke. Studies are underway to delve into the idea that oral bacteria may bring about swelling in the arteries.
IMPORTANT ORAL HYGIENE FACTORS
There are a lot of ways to strengthen or preserve your oral health, and in turn, your general health. These include a good oral hygiene regimen at home and going to your dental practitioner in Houston, TX biannually.
- GET ANNUAL ORAL EXAMS
For your annual oral health evaluation, your dentist will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic technology to look for concerns. Early treatment of problems will help you avoid bigger issues down the road. Plus, concerns that are detected early can usually be taken care of with quicker, noninvasive procedures. - TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your doctor is treating you for insulin problems or heart disease, he or she needs to be informed of any periodontal issues. Periodontal disease can have a substantial influence on your overall health. - TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dental practitioner, be straightforward about your medical history and any current conditions. Notify him or her if you have a family history of cardiac disease, diabetes, or gum disease. You might need to receive oral health examinations more often than yearly. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Flossing is particularly important in heading off gum issues. Adults and children need to floss every day to get rid of the plaque and debris from between your teeth. To ensure you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to teach you the appropriate way to floss during your next appointment. - DEAL WITH ORAL HEALTH ISSUES PROMPTLY
In cases where your dentist finds a problem, be sure to schedule an appointment promptly to get it dealt with. If you have any signs of an oral health problem, for example, chronic toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or trouble eating, you should arrange a checkup. - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To enhance the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your oral hygienist about getting preventive options to help in warding off dental issues. This may include dental sealants, which can guard your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel. - BRUSH A MINIMUM OF TWICE PER DAY
At least twice a day, you should be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Be careful that you aren't scrubbing too roughly with the toothbrush because it can eat away at your enamel and bring on gum recession. - SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
To eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often collect on your teeth, it's essential that you visit a dentist in Houston, TX at least twice every year to be given a dental cleaning. At your cleanings, your dentist will check your gum pockets and check for other signs of gingivitis (the beginning stage of periodontitis).
BOOST YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR TOTAL WELL-BEING
Begin taking care of your teeth and gums and support your general health. Scientists have evidence to suggest that inflammation and germs in your mouth could be damaging to your health, both currently and over time. Paying attention to your gums and teeth is a key part of your overall wellness, so plan a visit with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to get an oral health exam and professional cleaning. If you need a great team of knowledgeable dental professionals who provide preventive care, as well as restorative treatments, get in touch with MINT dentistry in Heights. We would be happy to help your whole family get stunning, healthy teeth at our location in Houston, TX.