Dental Care: How It Is Connected to Your General Health
DENTAL AND ORAL ISSUES MAY EXTEND BEYOND YOUR MOUTH
Each organ in your body can impact other areas, so issues that begin in one place can have a far-reaching impact. In this blog, our team at MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills examines the connections between your dental and oral health and your wider physical health. Many studies are being conducted across the globe that are trying to determine how oral health affects general health and how general health can affect oral health. Low oral health (in particular periodontal disease) can raise your likelihood of ending up with heart disease, make it harder to manage blood glucose, and, in pregnant women, impact the infant's health. Every one of these are key reasons to make sure you practice a suitable oral health regimen at home and make biannual appointments with a dental professional in North Richland Hills, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH IMPACT YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
The mouth is basically a gateway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's no surprise that a disease or inflammation like periodontitis can gradually extend to other locations of the body. Here are some of the more serious conditions that can be influenced by oral health:
- DIABETES
Men and women with diabetes would be wise to pay extra attention to their oral health to help regulate their insulin levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease can make it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar. In cases where you have a problem with regulating your diabetes, set up an appointment with a dentist in North Richland Hills, TX to see if periodontal disease might be part of the problem. - CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Studies have found evidence that suggests that inflammation in the mouth (almost always from periodontal disease) can elevate someone's chances of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is being conducted to delve into the theory that oral bacteria may bring about inflammation in the vascular system. - DEMENTIA
Researchers are looking at the relationship between good oral health and stronger cognitive function in older patients. In individuals with Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a likely connection to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and poor cognitive ability usually lead to more oral problems, presumably because the person has difficulty keeping to their home oral care practices. - PREGNANCY ISSUES
The changes in hormones during gestation can put women at greater risk for developing gum disease. Gestational gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that tend to bleed. Having late-stage periodontal disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been associated with early birth and underweight newborns. So, it's especially important for expecting mothers to brush and floss each day to avoid periodontal disease and other oral health problems.
IMPORTANT ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
There are many things you can do to strengthen or sustain your oral health and, consequently, your total health. These include a good dental hygiene routine at home and seeing your dentist in North Richland Hills, TX biannually.
- BRUSH AT LEAST TWO TIMES A DAY
At least two times per day, you need to be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't scrubbing too roughly with your toothbrush, as this can eat away at your enamel and lead to receding gums. - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To enhance the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your dentist about using preventive options for added support in avoiding dental issues. This could include dental sealants, which help shield your back teeth from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to harden your enamel. - HANDLE ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
In cases where your dentist discovers an issue, make sure you make an appointment right away to have it taken care of. If you have any indications of an oral health issue, like persistent toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or trouble chewing, you need to schedule an exam. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Flossing your teeth is particularly important in defending against periodontal problems. You need to floss every day to eliminate the plaque and debris from in between your teeth. To ensure you are flossing the right way, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the most effective way to floss at your next appointment. - GET DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
To remove the plaque and tartar that will often build up on your teeth, it's essential that you go to your dentist in North Richland Hills, TX a minimum of twice every year to receive a professional cleaning. As part of your cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gum pockets and check for other signs of gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease). - GET YEARLY ORAL EXAMS
During your annual oral health exam, your dental practitioner will use digital radiography and other tools to check for concerns. Early detection of issues can help you prevent more concerning problems down the road. In addition, issues that are caught early can generally be handled with easier, noninvasive treatments. - SPEAK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dentist, be candid about your medical history and any current conditions. Tell him or her if you have any relatives with cardiac disease, diabetes, or periodontal disease. You might need to have oral health examinations more often than once a year. - SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your usual physician is treating you for insulin problems or heart disease, he or she needs to be informed of any oral health problems. Periodontal disease can have a substantial influence on your overall health.
IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR TOTAL WELL-BEING
Start taking care of your oral health and help your general health. There is evidence that shows that swelling and redness and bacteria in your mouth can be damaging to your health, both now and later on. Taking care of your gums and teeth is a significant part of your general wellness, so make time for an appointment with a dentist in North Richland Hills, TX to get an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. If you're looking for a fantastic team of knowledgeable dental professionals who are able to give preventive care as well as restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills. We would be delighted to help your whole family maintain stunning, healthy teeth at our practice in North Richland Hills, TX.