Dental Care — How It Has Consequences For Your Overall Physical Health
ORAL HEALTH ISSUES HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Each and every area of your body influences the others, so problems that originate in one spot can have a far-reaching effect. In this blog, our group at MINT dentistry in Grapevine talks about the connections between your dental and oral health and your complete health. Many research studies are being conducted across the globe that are venturing to figure out how oral health influences general health or how overall health can affect oral health. Poor oral health (notably gum disease) can elevate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, make it more difficult to manage diabetes, and, during pregnancy, harm the baby's health. Each of these are great reasons to ensure you have a good oral health routine at home and schedule regular appointments with a dentist in Grapevine, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH INFLUENCE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
Your mouth serves as a gateway to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It's no surprise that an infection or inflammation in the mouth can quickly spread to different locations of your body. These are the top four most threatening conditions that can be influenced by your oral health:
- CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
There is evidence that suggests that inflammation in the mouth (almost always from periodontal disease) can increase someone's chances of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is being done to look at the theory that oral bacteria could trigger inflammation in the arteries. - DEMENTIA
Scientists are examining the relationship between good dental health and higher cognitive function in seniors. For women and men with Alzheimer's disease, there is a reasonable correlation to poor oral health. Alzheimer's disease and poor cognitive ability often spur more oral problems, most likely because the patient has difficulty maintaining his or her home oral care routine. - DIABETES
Individuals with diabetes would be wise to give special attention to their oral health to help control their insulin levels. Recurring or untreated periodontal disease could make it tougher for the body to regulate blood sugar. In times when you have trouble regulating your diabetes, set up an appointment with a dentist in Grapevine, TX to ascertain if gum disease could be part of your problem. - PREGNANCY CONCERNS
Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at higher risk for developing gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having progressive gum disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been linked to early birth and low birth weight. This is why it's critical for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene every day to steer clear of periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
KEY ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
You have multiple ways to strengthen or preserve your oral health and, consequently, your general health. These begin with a thorough dental hygiene system at home and seeing your dentist in Grapevine, TX regularly.
- INFORM YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your general practitioner is prescribing you medicine for blood sugar issues or cardiac disease, he or she needs to be told about any tooth or gum problems. Periodontal disease can have a particularly big influence on your general health. - THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To improve your oral health, talk to your dental hygienist about using preventive treatments to help in defending against dental issues. This often include dental sealants, which will guard your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to strengthen your enamel. - SCHEDULE YEARLY ORAL HEALTH CHECKUPS
For your yearly oral health assessment, your dentist will use digital x-rays and other equipment to look for concerns. Early diagnosis of issues can help you avoid worse problems down the road. Plus, concerns that are caught early can generally be fixed with easier, less invasive procedures. - ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY
If your dentist detects a problem, it's key to make an appointment right away to have it taken care of. If you develop any symptoms of an oral health issue, for example, lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or discomfort while eating, you need to schedule an evaluation. - BRUSH A MINIMUM OF TWICE DAILY
At minimum two times every day, you need to be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Be careful that you aren't pressing too roughly with the toothbrush, as it can erode your enamel and bring on receding gums. - HAVE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth, it's critical to visit a dentist in Grapevine, TX at least two times every year to have a professional cleaning. As part of these cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gums and look for other indications of gingivitis (the primary stage of periodontal disease). - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Flossing your teeth is particularly important in preventing periodontal disease. You ought to floss once a day to get rid of the plaque and debris from the spaces between your teeth. To check that you are flossing the right way, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the appropriate way to floss during your next cleaning. - TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dentist, be candid regarding your medical history and all of your existing medical conditions. Notify him or her if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or gum disease. You might be encouraged to set up oral health examinations more often than one time per year.
BOOST YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ENHANCE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Start paying attention to your teeth and gums and boost your overall health. Scientists have evidence to suggest that swelling and redness and microorganisms in your mouth may be damaging to your health, both now and long term. Paying attention to your mouth is a significant part of your general health, so set up a visit with a dentist in Grapevine, TX to receive an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. If you're looking for a terrific team of skilled dental practitioners who offer preventive care as well as restorative treatments, visit MINT dentistry in Grapevine. We would be happy to help your whole family maintain shining, healthy teeth at our practice in Grapevine, TX.