Dental Care: Why It Influences Your Overall Health
DENTAL AND ORAL PROBLEMS MAY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Every part of your body influences the others, so issues in different locations can cause a much wider effect. In today's blog, our team at MINT dentistry in Grand Prairie discusses the links between your dental and oral health and your complete health. Multiple research studies are in progress all over the world that are seeking to figure out how oral health influences overall health, as well as how overall health can affect oral health. Poor oral health (in particular gum disease) can increase your likelihood of ending up with heart disease, make it tougher to control blood glucose, and, if you are expecting, harm the baby's health. Each of these are great reasons to make sure you practice a suitable oral health regimen at home and attend bi-annual appointments with a dental practitioner in Grand Prairie, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
The mouth serves as a direct pathway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's no surprise that an infection or inflammation in the mouth can easily extend to various locations of your body. These are some of the biggest conditions that may be affected by oral health:
- CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
Studies have found evidence that suggests that inflammation in the oral cavity (typically from periodontal disease) can elevate a person's likelihood of having a cardiac event or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are being done to examine the idea that bacteria in your mouth could trigger inflammation in the veins. - DIABETES
Individuals with diabetes would be wise to give close attention to the condition of their gums to help manage their insulin levels. Recurring or untreated periodontal disease can make it more challenging for the body to regulate blood sugar. In the event that you have a problem with managing your diabetes, arrange an appointment with a dental practitioner in Grand Prairie, TX to find out if periodontal disease is part of your problem. - ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Scientists are examining the link between good oral health and better cognitive function in older patients. In women and men who have Alzheimer's disease, there is a possible connection to poor oral health. Alzheimer's disease and low cognitive function typically bring on more oral problems, presumably because the patient has difficulty maintaining his or her home oral care regimen. - PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
The shifts in hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at higher risk for developing periodontal disease. Gestational gingivitis causes inflamed gums that tend to bleed. Having late-stage periodontal disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been shown to correlate with premature birth and underweight newborns. This is why it's crucial for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene daily to head off periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
CRUCIAL ORAL HYGIENE FACTORS
You have numerous things you can do to strengthen or keep up your oral health and, therefore, your overall health. These include a thorough dental hygiene regimen at home and visiting your dentist in Grand Prairie, TX regularly.
- INFORM YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your doctor is prescribing you medicine for diabetes or cardiovascular disease, he or she should be informed of any oral health issues. Gum disease can have a particularly big impact on your total health. - SCHEDULE ANNUAL ORAL CHECKUPS
At your yearly oral health exam, your dental team will use digital radiography and other equipment to check for concerns. Early management of issues can help you avoid bigger issues down the road. Plus, problems that are detected early can generally be taken care of with simpler, noninvasive procedures. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Flossing your teeth is especially important in warding off periodontal problems. You ought to floss once a day to extract the plaque and debris from between your teeth. To make sure you are flossing properly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to show you the appropriate way to floss at your next appointment. - HANDLE ORAL HEALTH ISSUES ASAP
In the event that your dentist discovers an issue, it's key to schedule an appointment promptly to get it taken care of. If you develop any indications of an oral health issue, such as lingering toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or trouble eating, you should schedule an evaluation. - SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often build up on your teeth, it's critical to see your dentist in Grand Prairie, TX at least twice every year to undergo a dental cleaning. As part of these cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gum tissue and check for other indications of gingivitis (the beginning stage of gum disease). - BRUSH YOUR TEETH NO LESS THAN TWO TIMES A DAY
No less than twice each day, you ought to be cleaning your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure you aren't scrubbing too roughly with the toothbrush, as it can wear down your enamel and lead to receding gums. - CONSIDER PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To boost the health of your teeth and gums, talk to your oral hygienist about using preventive treatments to help in avoiding dental problems. This may include tooth sealants, which can keep your molars from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to bolster your enamel. - SPEAK TO YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When speaking to your dental practitioner, be frank about your medical history and any existing health conditions. Inform him or her if you have any relatives with cardiac disease, diabetes, or gum disease. You might need to set up oral health examinations more often than one time per year.
IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Begin taking care of your oral health and strengthen your general health. Scientists have evidence that shows that swelling and redness and bacteria in your mouth can be harmful to your general health, both now and later on. Taking care of your gums and teeth is an important part of your overall wellness, so set up a checkup with a dentist in Grand Prairie, TX to receive an oral health exam and professional cleaning. If you need a distinguished team of experienced dental professionals who offer preventive care as well as restorative treatments, visit MINT dentistry in Grand Prairie. We would value the chance to help your whole family attain gorgeous, healthy smiles at our practice in Grand Prairie, TX.