Oral Hygiene And Why It Affects Your General Health

ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS COULD POTENTIALLY AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR MOUTH

Each organ in the human body is connected, so problems that begin in one place can have a far-reaching effect. In today's blog, our group at MINT dentistry in Addison discusses the links between your dental and oral health and your complete health. Hundreds of studies are being conducted all over the world that are venturing to determine how oral health influences overall health, as well as how general health can have consequences for oral health. Imperfect oral health (notably periodontal disease) can elevate your risk of ending up with cardiac disease, make it harder to manage blood glucose, and, during pregnancy, impact the baby's health. Every one of these are excellent reasons to ensure you have a good oral health regimen at home and schedule bi-annual visits with a dental practitioner in Addison, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR MOUTH HELP OR HARM YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
The mouth serves as a direct pathway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It makes sense that a disease or inflammation, such as gingivitis, can quickly extend to different areas of your body. Here are the top four conditions that can be influenced by your oral health:

• HEART DISEASE
  Studies have found data that suggests that inflammation in the oral cavity (typically from gum disease) can raise a person's chances of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Studies are underway to investigate the idea that bacteria in your mouth may trigger inflammation in the arteries.
• DIABETES
  Patients with diabetes should pay close attention to their gum health to help manage their blood sugar levels. Lingering or untreated gum disease could make it tougher for the body to regulate blood sugar. In the event that you have trouble managing your diabetes, arrange an evaluation with a dental practitioner in Addison, TX to determine if gum disease is part of your difficulty.
• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  The variations in hormones during pregnancy can put an expecting mother at higher risk for getting gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes inflamed gums that tend to bleed. Having late-stage gum disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been tied to early birth and underweight newborns. Therefore, it's crucial for pregnant women to brush and floss each day to defend against periodontal disease and other oral health problems.
• DEMENTIA
  Researchers are investigating the link between good dental health and better cognitive function in seniors. In patients with Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a possible connection to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and low cognitive function often spur more tooth and gum problems, probably because the patient has trouble sticking to their home oral care practices.

KEY ORAL HYGIENE FACTORS
There are several things you can do to strengthen or preserve your oral health and, subsequently, your overall health. These begin with a thorough dental hygiene routine at home and meeting with your dentist in Addison, TX regularly.

• TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When visiting your dental practitioner, be straightforward regarding your medical history and any current health conditions. Notify him or her if you have any relatives with cardiac disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You might be encouraged to have oral health evaluations more often than yearly.
• HAVE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
  To get rid of the plaque and tartar that will often collect on your teeth, it's essential that you go to your dentist in Addison, TX a minimum of twice a year to receive a dental cleaning. As part of these cleanings, your hygienist will check your gum pockets and check for other evidence of gingivitis (the initial stage of periodontitis).
• TAKE CARE OF ORAL HEALTH ISSUES PROMPTLY
  In cases where your dentist detects an issue, it's key to make an appointment promptly to have it taken care of. If you have any indications of an oral health issue, such as persistent toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or problems eating, you need to set up an appointment.
• CONSIDER PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
  To improve the health of your teeth and gums, ask your dental hygienist about using preventive treatments for added support in preventing dental issues. This may include dental sealants, which help guard your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel.
• FLOSS EVERY DAY
  Flossing your teeth is particularly important in defending against gum issues. Adults and children ought to floss once a day to clean out the plaque and debris from in between your teeth. To check that you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to teach you the most effective way to floss at your next appointment.
• BE OPEN WITH YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your general practitioner is prescribing you medicine for insulin problems or cardiac disease, he or she should know about any periodontal problems. Gum disease can have a particularly big effect on your overall health.
• HAVE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL ASSESSMENTS
  At your yearly oral health exam, your dental practitioner will use digital radiography and other technology to look for issues. Early management of problems can help you avoid bigger issues later. Plus, issues that are caught early can typically be addressed with quicker, less invasive procedures.
• BRUSH NO LESS THAN TWICE DAILY
  At least twice daily, you need to be cleaning your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be careful that you aren't scrubbing too aggressively with your toothbrush, as it can wear down your enamel and bring on gum recession.

UPGRADE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ENHANCE YOUR TOTAL WELL-BEING
Begin paying attention to your teeth and gums and improve your overall health. There is evidence to suggest that inflammation and microorganisms in your mouth have the potential to be damaging to your general health, both currently and in the future. Paying attention to your gums and teeth is a significant part of your general wellness, so plan a checkup with a dental practitioner in Addison, TX to get an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. If you're looking for a fantastic team of skilled dental professionals who offer preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in Addison. We would be delighted to help your whole family maintain stunning, healthy smiles at our location in Addison, TX.