Your Mouth And Why It Impacts Your Total Physical Health

TOOTH AND GUM ISSUES CAN IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR MOUTH

Every single area of your body influences the others, so issues that show up in one place can create a much wider impact. In this article, our group at MINT dentistry talks about the connections between your oral health and your complete health. Many studies are being conducted all over the world that are venturing to figure out how oral health influences general health or how overall health can have consequences for oral health. Poor oral health (especially periodontal disease) can elevate your chances of ending up with heart disease, make it tougher to regulate blood glucose, and, if you are expecting, harm the infant's health. Each of these are outstanding reasons to make sure you practice a suitable oral health routine at home and attend regular visits with a dentist in Dallas and Houston, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
The mouth can be seen as a portal to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It makes sense that an infection or inflammation, such as gingivitis, can eventually advance to numerous areas of the body. Here are a few of the most threatening conditions that could be influenced by your oral health:

• PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
  The changes in hormones during gestation can put an expecting mother at higher risk for having periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes red, swollen gums that are prone to bleeding. Having advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been associated with early delivery and low birth weight. This is why it's quite important for women to practice good oral hygiene each day to avoid periodontal disease and other oral health problems.
• CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
  Studies have found evidence that indicates that swelling of the teeth and gums (generally from gum disease) can raise someone's likelihood of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are being done to examine the theory that oral bacteria may induce inflammation in the vascular system.
• DEMENTIA
  Researchers are exploring the link between good oral health and higher cognitive function in the elderly. For women and men with Alzheimer's disease, they have found a possible link to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and poor cognitive ability often lead to more tooth and gum problems, most likely because the patient has trouble keeping to his or her home oral care practices.
• DIABETES
  Individuals with diabetes should give extra attention to their oral health to help control their insulin levels. Recurring or untreated gum disease could make it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar. If you ever have trouble regulating your diabetes, set up an evaluation with a dentist in Dallas and Houston, TX to find out if periodontal disease could be part of the difficulty.

IMPORTANT ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
There are multiple things you can do to strengthen or preserve your oral health and, as a result, your overall health. These include a thorough oral hygiene routine at home and visiting your dental practitioner in Dallas and Houston, TX regularly.

• BRUSH NO LESS THAN TWO TIMES DAILY
  No less than two times each day, you need to be brushing your teeth for at least two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't scrubbing too roughly with your toothbrush, because it can eat away at your enamel and promote gum recession.
• TAKE CARE OF ORAL HEALTH ISSUES PROMPTLY
  If your dentist identifies an issue, make sure you schedule an appointment right away to get it taken care of. If you develop any symptoms of an oral health issue, particularly lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or trouble chewing, you should arrange an evaluation.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing is particularly important in avoiding periodontal disease. You should floss every day to remove the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. To check that you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to teach you the most productive way to floss at your next appointment.
• THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To boost the health of your teeth and gums, ask your dental practitioner about having preventive treatments to assist in avoiding dental issues. These often include tooth sealants, which can protect your molars from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to bolster your enamel.
• BE OPEN WITH YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your usual physician is treating you for diabetes or cardiovascular disease, he or she needs to know about any tooth or gum problems. Periodontal disease can have an especially big impact on your total health.
• SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
  In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, you should see your dentist in Dallas and Houston, TX at least twice every year to get a professional cleaning. At your cleanings, your dentist will examine your gum tissue and look for other signs of gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease).
• SCHEDULE YEARLY ORAL HEALTH EXAMS
  For your annual oral health checkup, your dental team will use digital radiography and other diagnostic tools to look for problems. Early diagnosis of problems should help you prevent more serious issues later. Plus, problems that are detected early can usually be taken care of with quicker, less invasive treatments.
• TALK TO YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When visiting your dentist, be open and honest regarding your medical history and all of your current conditions. Inform him or her if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, blood sugar issues, or periodontal disease. You might need to come in for oral health assessments more often than one time per year.

IMPROVE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR GENERAL HEALTH
Begin prioritizing your teeth and gums and boost your overall health. Researchers have evidence that shows that swelling and redness and bacteria in your mouth can be harmful to your general health, both currently and later on. Paying attention to your mouth is a significant part of your overall wellbeing, so make time for an appointment with a dentist in Dallas and Houston, TX to receive an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. If you need a fantastic team of experienced dental practitioners who are able to give preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, call MINT dentistry. We would value the chance to help you and your family maintain radiant, healthy smiles at our practice in Dallas and Houston, TX.