Oral Health: Why It Impacts Your Total Health
DENTAL AND ORAL PROBLEMS MAY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Every organ in the human body is connected, so issues that begin in one place can have a much wider chain reaction. In this article, our group at MINT dentistry in Frisco talks about the connections between your teeth and gums and your general health. Hundreds of studies are underway across the globe that are seeking 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 risk of developing cardiovascular disease, make it more complicated to control diabetes, and in women who are expecting, harm the baby's health. Every one of these are great reasons to make sure you have a suitable oral health regimen at home and plan twice-yearly appointments with a dentist in Frisco, TX.
HOW CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH IMPACT YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is a gateway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's understandable that an infection or inflammation, like periodontitis, can eventually advance to various parts of your body. Here are a few of the most alarming conditions that may be influenced by oral health:
- DIABETES
Patients with diabetes need to pay special attention to the condition of their gums to help control their insulin levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease could make it more strenuous for the body to regulate blood sugar. In cases where you have trouble managing your blood sugar, set up a checkup with a dentist in Frisco, TX to ascertain if gum disease is part of your issue. - PREGNANCY CONCERNS
Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can put an expecting mother at elevated risk for developing periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes red, swollen gums that tend to bleed. Having advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been connected to early delivery and low birth weight. For this reason, it's quite important for expecting mothers to practice good oral hygiene daily to head off periodontal disease and other oral health concerns. - DEMENTIA
Researchers are investigating the connection between good oral health and higher cognitive function in the elderly. In patients who have Alzheimer's disease, they have found a potential correlation to poor oral health. Alzheimer's disease and poor cognitive function frequently lead to more tooth and gum problems, presumably because the patient has trouble keeping to their home oral care routine. - CORONARY DISEASE
Studies have found data that shows that swelling in the oral cavity (mostly from periodontal disease) can increase someone's probability of having a cardiac event or stroke. Research is underway to examine the theory that oral bacteria can trigger swelling in the vascular system.
IMPORTANT ORAL HEALTH ACTIONS
You have several things you can do to strengthen or retain your oral health, and subsequently, your total health. These include a good oral hygiene regimen at home and scheduling appointments with your dentist in Frisco, TX biannually.
- BRUSH NO LESS THAN TWO TIMES DAILY
At least twice each day, you need to be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure you aren't scrubbing too aggressively with your toothbrush as it can eat away at your enamel and lead to gum recession. - SPEAK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dental practitioner, be direct about your medical history and all of your existing health conditions. Notify him or her if you have a family history of heart disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You might be asked to receive oral health assessments more often than one time per year. - CONSIDER PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To improve your oral health, speak to your oral hygienist about getting preventive options to assist in defending against dental problems. These often include dental sealants, which can guard your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to bolster your enamel. - HANDLE ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
If your dentist detects an issue, be sure to make an appointment ASAP to get it taken care of. If you develop any symptoms of an oral health problem, such as persistent toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or discomfort while eating, you need to set up a visit. - FLOSS YOUR TEETH EVERY DAY
Flossing is especially important in defending against gum disease. You should floss once a day to get rid of the plaque and debris from in between your teeth. To verify you are flossing properly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to show you the most effective way to floss at your next visit. - SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
To get rid of the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, it's critical to visit a dentist in Frisco, TX a minimum of two times per year to receive a professional cleaning. As part of your cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gum pockets and look for other evidence of gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease). - TELL YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
If your usual physician is prescribing you medicine for diabetes or cardiac disease, he or she should be informed of any periodontal issues. Gum disease can have a particularly big effect on your general health. - GET YEARLY COMPREHENSIVE ORAL ASSESSMENTS
At your annual oral health examination, your dental team will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic equipment to check for problems. Early diagnosis of issues should help you defend against larger issues in the long run. Plus, issues that are detected early can usually be handled with simpler, noninvasive procedures.
UPGRADE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Start prioritizing your oral health and help your overall health. There is evidence that shows that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth can be harmful to your general health, both currently and long-term. Paying attention to your gums and teeth is a significant part of your overall health, so make time for an appointment with a dentist in Frisco, TX to receive an oral health evaluation and dental cleaning. When you need a fantastic team of knowledgeable dental professionals who are able to give preventive care and restorative treatments, contact MINT dentistry in Frisco. We would be happy to help your whole family get shining, healthy smiles at our location in Frisco, TX.