Your Mouth And How It Affects Your Overall Health
ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS MAY EXTEND BEYOND YOUR MOUTH
Every single organ in the human body can impact other areas, so issues that begin in one place can create a much wider chain reaction. In this post, our team at MINT dentistry in DeSoto goes over the links between your oral health and your wider physical health. Many studies are in progress across the globe that are seeking to determine how oral health influences general health or how overall health can impact oral health. Poor oral health (especially gum disease) can increase your risk of developing heart disease, make it tougher to regulate diabetes, and, if you are expecting, harm the baby's health. All of these are important reasons to ensure you have a good oral health system at home and attend twice-yearly visits with a dentist in DeSoto, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH IMPACT YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
The mouth is essentially a direct pathway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It makes sense that a disease or inflammation like periodontitis can swiftly advance to various areas of your body. These are the top four most alarming conditions that can be affected by oral health:
- PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
The swings in hormones during pregnancy can put an expecting mother at heightened risk for getting periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Having progressive periodontal disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been tied to early birth and underweight newborns. For this reason, it's quite important for expecting mothers to brush and floss each day to steer clear of periodontal disease and other oral health problems. - HEART DISEASE
Scientists have evidence that shows that swelling in the mouth (usually from periodontal disease) can raise someone's likelihood of having a heart attack or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are being done to look at the idea that oral bacteria may cause swelling in the vascular system. - DIABETES
Patients with diabetes would be wise to give careful attention to the condition of their gums to help control their insulin levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease may make it more strenuous for the body to control blood sugar. In times when you have a problem with controlling your blood sugar, set up an evaluation with a dentist in DeSoto, TX to determine if gum disease could be part of your problem. - ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Scientists are studying the relationship between good oral health and stronger cognitive function in seniors. For individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, they have found a possible correlation to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and decreased cognitive ability typically spur more oral problems, presumably because the person has trouble sticking to their home oral care routine.
CRUCIAL ORAL HEALTH FACTORS
There are many things you can do to strengthen or preserve your oral health and, consequently, your general health. These begin with a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home and going to your dental practitioner in DeSoto, TX bi-annually.
- DEAL WITH ORAL HEALTH ISSUES RIGHT AWAY
In cases where your dentist spots a problem, it's key to schedule an appointment ASAP to get it dealt with. If you have any signs of an oral health problem, like lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or trouble chewing, you need to set up an exam. - GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
To remove the plaque and tartar that will often build up on your teeth, it's important to visit a dentist in DeSoto, TX at least two times a year to be given a dental cleaning. At your cleanings, your dental practitioner will check your gum tissue and check for other indications of gingivitis (the initial stage of periodontitis). - FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY
Flossing is particularly important in heading off periodontal problems. Adults and children need to floss every day to eliminate the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. To verify you are flossing properly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the proper way to floss during your next cleaning. - INFORM YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your doctor is prescribing you medicine for insulin problems or cardiovascular disease, he or she needs to be informed of any tooth or gum problems. Periodontal disease can have an especially big influence on your total health. - HAVE YEARLY ORAL HEALTH EXAMS
For your yearly oral health assessment, your dental practitioner will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic technology to look for issues. Early detection of problems will help you prevent worse problems down the road. Plus, issues that are detected early can generally be handled with quicker, noninvasive procedures. - THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To improve your oral health, speak to your dental practitioner about using preventive treatments to help in preventing dental problems. This can include dental sealants, which will protect your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to harden your enamel. - TELL YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dental practitioner, be frank regarding your medical history and all of your current conditions. Let him or her know if you have any relatives with cardiovascular disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You might be encouraged to schedule oral health assessments more often than one time per year. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH NO LESS THAN TWO TIMES PER DAY
At minimum two times per day, you should be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure you aren't scrubbing too aggressively with your toothbrush, as it can erode your enamel and bring on receding gums.
IMPROVE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR GENERAL WELL-BEING
Start prioritizing your teeth and gums and improve your overall health. There is evidence that indicates that swelling and redness and microorganisms in your mouth can be harmful to your general health, both now and long term. Prioritizing your mouth is a critical part of your overall well-being, so set up a checkup with a dentist in DeSoto, TX to have an oral health evaluation and dental cleaning. If you're looking for a terrific team of experienced dental professionals who are able to give preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in DeSoto. We would value the chance to help you and your family attain radiant, healthy teeth at our location in DeSoto, TX.