Oral Health And How It Impacts Your Overall Physical Health
ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO EXTEND BEYOND YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Every last part of the human body can impact other areas, so problems that show up in one place can cause a far-reaching chain reaction. In today's blog, our group at MINT dentistry in Katy explores the links between your oral health and your general health. Many studies are underway all over the world that are trying to determine how oral health affects overall health and how general health can impact oral health. Poor oral health (notably gum disease) can raise your probability of developing cardiac disease, make it tougher to regulate blood glucose, and in pregnant women, harm the infant's health. Every one of these is important reasons to make sure you practice a good oral health routine at home and attend regular visits with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS AFFECT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is essentially a portal to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It's understandable that a disease or inflammation, like periodontitis, can gradually extend to various parts of the body. Here are a few of the conditions that can be affected by oral health:
- HEART DISEASE
Scientists have evidence that indicates that swelling in the mouth (typically from gum disease) can raise someone's chances of having a cardiac event or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are being conducted to look at the idea that bacteria in your mouth could cause swelling in the arteries. - DIABETES
People with diabetes need to give special attention to their gum health to help manage their blood sugar levels. Recurring or untreated gum disease could make it more difficult for your body to control blood sugar. If you have trouble controlling your diabetes, set up an appointment with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to ascertain if periodontal disease is part of your difficulty. - ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Researchers are studying the relationship between good oral health and stronger cognitive function in older patients. For patients who have Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a reasonable link to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and decreased cognitive function usually spur more oral problems, most likely because the individual has difficulty maintaining their home oral care routine. - PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
The variations in hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at greater risk for developing periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes red, swollen gums that are prone to bleeding. Having advanced gum disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been shown to correlate with early birth and low birth weight. This is why it's extremely important for women to brush and floss each day to avoid gum disease and other oral health problems.
CRUCIAL ORAL HYGIENE ACTIONS
You have multiple things you can do to improve or keep up your oral health, and therefore, your overall health. These begin with a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home and visiting your dental practitioner in Houston, TX biannually.
- 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 conditions. Let him or her know if you have any relatives with heart disease, blood sugar issues, or gum disease. You might be asked to receive oral health assessments more often than yearly. - GET DENTAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, it's important to visit a dentist in Houston, TX at least two times a year to get a dental cleaning. At these cleanings, your hygienist will examine your gum pockets and look for other indications of gingivitis (the primary stage of periodontitis). - ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY
If your dentist discovers an issue, be sure to schedule an appointment right away to get it dealt with. If you have any signs of an oral health problem, for example, lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or trouble eating, you need to set up an evaluation. - INFORM YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your general practitioner is prescribing you medicine for insulin problems or heart disease, he or she needs to know about any oral health issues. Gum disease can have a considerable influence on your general health. - FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY
Flossing your teeth is especially important in defending against periodontal problems. You ought to floss once a day to remove the plaque and debris from between your teeth. To check that you are flossing correctly, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the best way to floss at your next cleaning. - GET ANNUAL ORAL EXAMS
For your annual oral health examination, your dental practitioner will use digital x-rays and other technology to look for concerns. Early diagnosis of problems should help you defend against bigger issues down the road. In addition, issues that are detected early can usually be taken care of with easier, noninvasive treatments. - THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To boost the health of your teeth and gums, ask your hygienist about using preventive treatments to assist in defending against dental problems. These may include dental sealants, which will guard your molars against acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to fortify your enamel. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH AT LEAST TWICE PER DAY
At least twice every day, you should be cleaning your teeth for at least two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't scrubbing too aggressively with your toothbrush since this can wear down your enamel and lead to gum recession.
BOOST YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR GENERAL WELL-BEING
Begin prioritizing your teeth and gums and support your whole body. There is evidence to suggest that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth might be harmful to your general health, both now and in the future. Taking care of your mouth is an important part of your overall well-being, so arrange an appointment with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to receive an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. If you're looking for a great team of experienced dental professionals who offer preventive care and restorative treatments, call MINT dentistry in Katy. We would love to help your whole family get radiant, healthy teeth at our location in Houston, TX.