Oral Health: How It Is Connected to Your Overall Physical Health
DENTAL AND ORAL PROBLEMS MAY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Each organ in your body is connected, so problems that show up in one place can cause a much wider impact. In this blog, our group at MINT dentistry in South Houston discusses the connections between your teeth and gums and your wider physical health. Various research studies are being conducted all over the world that are seeking to figure out how oral health influences overall health or how overall health can have consequences for oral health. Imperfect oral health (particularly periodontal disease) can elevate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, make it harder to manage diabetes, and if you are pregnant, affect the baby's health. Every one of these is key reasons to make sure you have a good oral health routine at home and attend regular appointments with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX.
HOW CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS IMPACT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
The mouth is essentially a portal to vital organs, such as the stomach and even the brain. It's no surprise that a disease or inflammation, like periodontitis, can gradually advance to numerous locations of your body. Here are a few of the most threatening conditions that can be influenced by oral health:
- DEMENTIA
Researchers are looking at the link between good oral health and stronger cognitive function in older patients. For patients who have Alzheimer's disease, there is a possible connection to poor oral health. Alzheimer's disease and impaired cognitive ability generally bring on more tooth and gum problems, probably because the patient has difficulty keeping to their home oral care practices. - PREGNANCY CONCERNS
The swings in hormones during pregnancy can put women at greater risk for developing periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Having progressive gum disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been linked to premature delivery and underweight newborns. This is why it's especially important for pregnant women to brush and floss each day to head off gum disease and other oral health problems. - CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
Studies have found evidence that shows that swelling of the teeth and gums (generally from gum disease) can raise a person's risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Studies are being conducted to look at the theory that bacteria in your mouth could bring about inflammation in the arteries. - DIABETES
Men and women with diabetes should give extra attention to their oral health to help regulate their insulin levels. Persistent or untreated gum disease could make it tougher for the body to manage blood sugar. If you have a problem with regulating your diabetes, arrange a consultation with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to figure out if periodontal disease could be part of the issue.
IMPORTANT ORAL HYGIENE ACTIONS
There are many ways to strengthen or retain your oral health, and subsequently, your total health. These include a good oral hygiene system at home and visiting your dental practitioner in Houston, TX biannually.
- BRUSH A MINIMUM OF TWO TIMES PER DAY
No less than two times per day, you need to be cleaning your teeth for at least two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Check that you aren't scrubbing too hard with the toothbrush since this can eat away at your enamel and bring on receding gums. - GET DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
To get rid of the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, it's critical to see your dentist in Houston, TX at least twice per year to undergo a professional cleaning. During your cleanings, your dental practitioner will check your gums and check for other evidence of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease). - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To improve the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your hygienist about getting preventive options to assist in avoiding dental problems. These often include tooth sealants, which will keep your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel. - SCHEDULE YEARLY ORAL CHECKUPS
At your annual oral health exam, your dentist will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic equipment to look for issues. Early diagnosis of problems should help you avoid more serious issues in the long run. Plus, issues that are caught early can generally be taken care of with easier, less invasive treatments. - TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dental practitioner, be straightforward about your medical history and all of your current health conditions. Inform him or her if you have any relatives with cardiovascular disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You might be asked to receive oral health assessments more often than once a year. - TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
If your doctor is treating you for diabetes or heart disease, he or she should know about any oral health problems. Periodontal disease can have a substantial impact on your general health. - FLOSS DAILY
Flossing is especially important in avoiding periodontal disease. Adults and children should floss once a day to eliminate the plaque and food particles from the spaces between their teeth. To confirm you are flossing correctly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the most productive way to floss at your next appointment. - DEAL WITH ORAL HEALTH ISSUES ASAP
In cases where your dentist identifies an issue, make sure you make an appointment ASAP to have it dealt with. If you have any signs of an oral health issue, like chronic toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or problems chewing, you should schedule a checkup.
BOOST YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR GENERAL HEALTH
Start paying attention to your oral health and boost your whole body. There is evidence that indicates that inflammation and germs in your mouth have the potential to be damaging to your overall health, both currently and over time. Taking care of your mouth is a critical part of your general well-being, so arrange a checkup with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to have an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. When you need a great team of skilled dental professionals who provide preventive care, as well as restorative treatments, get in touch with MINT dentistry in South Houston. We would love to help you and your family maintain stunning, healthy teeth at our office in Houston, TX.