Oral Health And Why It Affects Your General Health
ORAL HEALTH ISSUES MAY EXTEND BEYOND YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Every last area of the human body influences the others, so issues in one area can cause a much wider impact. In today's post, our team at MINT dentistry in Pearland - Coming Soon! goes over the links between your oral health and your wider physical health. Multiple studies are underway across the globe that are trying to figure out how oral health impacts overall health and how overall health can impact oral health. Imperfect oral health (for example, gum disease) can elevate your likelihood of ending up with heart disease, make it more difficult to manage diabetes, and during pregnancy, affect the baby's health. All of these are outstanding reasons to make sure you establish a suitable oral health system at home and plan biannual appointments with a dental professional in Pearland, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR MOUTH HELP OR HARM YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
The mouth is the portal to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's no surprise that an infection or inflammation in the oral cavity can easily spread to diverse locations of the body. Here are some of the biggest conditions that could be influenced by your oral health:
- PREGNANCY ISSUES
The shifts in hormones during pregnancy can put women at heightened risk for developing gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having late-stage periodontal disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been associated with early birth and low birth weight. This is why it's critical for women to brush and floss every day to defend against periodontitis and other oral health issues. - DEMENTIA
Researchers are examining the link between good dental health and stronger cognitive function in seniors. For women and men who have Alzheimer's disease, they have found a possible correlation to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and low cognitive function usually spur more tooth and gum problems, presumably because the person has difficulty sticking to his or her home oral care regimen. - CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
Scientists have data that indicates that swelling of the teeth and gums (mostly from gum disease) can increase someone's probability of having a heart attack or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are underway to delve into the theory that bacteria in your mouth may trigger swelling in the veins. - DIABETES
Those with diabetes would be wise to pay particular attention to their gum health to help regulate their insulin levels. Lingering or untreated periodontal disease can make it more strenuous for your body to manage blood sugar. If you have trouble managing your diabetes, set up a consultation with a dentist in Pearland, TX to see if periodontal disease is part of the issue.
CRUCIAL ORAL HEALTH ACTIONS
You have many things you can do to strengthen or preserve your oral health, and in turn, your total health. These include a diligent oral hygiene system at home and meeting with your dentist in Pearland, TX biannually.
- SPEAK TO YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When speaking to your dentist, be straightforward regarding your medical history and any current conditions. Tell him or her if you have a family history of cardiac disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You may need to have oral health assessments more often than one time per year. - FLOSS DAILY
Flossing your teeth is extremely important in warding off periodontal issues. Adults and children should floss once a day to extract the plaque and debris from the spaces between your teeth. To check that you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the most productive way to floss during your next cleaning. - SCHEDULE YEARLY ORAL HEALTH CHECKUPS
At your annual oral health evaluation, your dentist will use digital radiography and other diagnostic tools to look for issues. Early diagnosis of issues should help you defend against larger problems down the road. In addition, issues that are caught early can generally be fixed with easier, less invasive treatments. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH NO LESS THAN TWICE DAILY
At minimum twice each day, you should be brushing your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't scrubbing too roughly with your toothbrush, as it can eat away at your enamel and lead to receding gums. - THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To enhance the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your hygienist about having preventive treatments to help in preventing dental issues. This often include dental sealants, which help defend your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to harden your enamel. - HANDLE ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS PROMPTLY
If your dentist spots an issue, make sure you schedule an appointment promptly to have it dealt with. If you have any symptoms of an oral health problem, such as lingering toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or trouble eating, you should set up a visit. - HAVE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
To get rid of the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, it's important to see your dentist in Pearland, TX a minimum of two times per year to receive a dental cleaning. At these cleanings, your dental practitioner will check your gum pockets and check for other indications of gingivitis (the primary stage of gum disease). - INFORM YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your general practitioner is treating you for diabetes or cardiovascular disease, he or she should know about any periodontal problems. Periodontal disease can have an especially big influence on your overall health.
BOOST YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR GENERAL WELL-BEING
Begin taking care of your oral health and help your overall health. Researchers have evidence to suggest that inflammation and germs in your mouth could be harmful to your overall health, both now and over time. Prioritizing your mouth is a critical part of your overall well-being, so plan an appointment with a dentist in Pearland, TX to get an oral health exam and dental cleaning. If you're looking for an excellent team of skilled dental professionals who are able to give preventive care and restorative treatments, contact MINT dentistry in Pearland - Coming Soon!. We would be delighted to help you and your family get shining, healthy teeth at our office in Pearland, TX.