Oral Health: Why It Influences Your Total Health
TOOTH AND GUM PROBLEMS CAN AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Every last area of your body influences the others, so issues that originate in one spot can create a much wider impact. In this blog, our team at MINT dentistry in Pasadena talks about the links between your oral health and your total health. Multiple studies are underway all over the world that are endeavoring to determine how oral health influences overall health, as well as how overall health can have consequences for oral health. Poor oral health (particularly gum disease) can elevate your potential for ending up with cardiovascular disease, make it harder to regulate blood glucose, and during pregnancy, impact the baby's health. Every one of these is important reasons to ensure you practice a suitable oral health routine at home and set up regular visits with a dental practitioner in Pasadena, TX.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH AFFECT YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is basically a portal to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It's no surprise that a disease or inflammation of the teeth or gums can easily advance to diverse locations of the body. Here are the top four most alarming conditions that may be affected by oral health:
- PREGNANCY CONCERNS
The variations in hormones during gestation can put an expecting mother at higher risk of having gum disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes inflamed gums that tend to bleed. Having advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been shown to correlate with premature birth and underweight newborns. Therefore, it's especially important for pregnant women to brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues. - CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
Scientists have evidence that indicates that inflammation in the mouth (usually from periodontal disease) can increase a person's chances of having a heart attack or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is being done to delve into the idea that oral bacteria could trigger inflammation in the arteries. - ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Scientists are looking at the connection between good dental health and increased cognitive function in the elderly. For individuals with Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a potential correlation to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and decreased cognitive ability generally bring on more oral problems, presumably because the patient has difficulty sticking to his or her home oral care practices. - DIABETES
People with diabetes would be wise to pay close attention to their gum health to help control their insulin levels. Recurring or untreated gum disease can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar. If you ever have a problem with controlling your blood sugar, arrange an appointment with a dental practitioner in Pasadena, TX to determine if periodontal disease might be part of your problem.
IMPORTANT ORAL HEALTH STEPS
There are many things you can do to upgrade or preserve your oral health, and consequently, your total health. These include a thorough oral hygiene routine at home and scheduling appointments with your dentist in Pasadena, TX regularly.
- BRUSH YOUR TEETH AT LEAST TWO TIMES PER DAY
No less than two times a day, you ought to be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't pressing too aggressively with the toothbrush since it can wear down your enamel and lead to a receding gumline. - INFORM YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
If your doctor is treating you for blood sugar issues or cardiac disease, he or she needs to be told about any tooth or gum problems. Gum disease can have a substantial impact on your total health. - GET ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
At your yearly oral health exam, your dental practitioner will use digital radiography and other equipment to check for concerns. Early detection of issues can help you avoid bigger problems in the long run. In addition, problems that are detected early can usually be handled with easier, noninvasive procedures. - HANDLE ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
In cases where your dentist spots an issue, it's key to schedule an appointment right away to get it addressed. If you develop any indications of an oral health issue, including lingering toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or discomfort while chewing, you need to set up a visit. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Flossing your teeth is extremely important in heading off gum disease. Adults and children should floss every day to remove the plaque and debris from the spaces between their teeth. To make sure you are flossing correctly, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the most effective way to floss during your next cleaning. - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To improve the health of your teeth and gums, talk to your hygienist about using preventive options to help in preventing dental issues. These might include dental sealants, which can guard your molars against acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to strengthen your enamel. - TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When visiting your dental practitioner, be straightforward regarding your medical history and any current health conditions. Let him or her know if you have any relatives with cardiac disease, blood sugar issues, or periodontal disease. You may be encouraged to set up oral health assessments more often than once a year. - GET DENTAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
In order to remove the plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth, it's important to see your dentist in Pasadena, TX at least two times every year to have a professional cleaning. As part of these cleanings, your hygienist will examine your gum pockets and look for other signs of gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease).
UPGRADE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR GENERAL WELL-BEING
Begin taking care of your teeth and gums and strengthen your whole body. There is evidence that indicates that inflammation and bacteria in your mouth can be damaging to your overall health, both currently and in the long run. Paying attention to your mouth is an important part of your general wellness, so schedule a checkup with a dentist in Pasadena, TX to receive an oral health evaluation and dental cleaning. When you need a terrific team of skilled dental practitioners who offer preventive care, as well as restorative treatments, call MINT dentistry in Pasadena. We would be delighted to help you and your family maintain beautiful, healthy teeth at our office in Pasadena, TX.