Oral Health — How It Is Connected to Your General Health

ORAL HEALTH ISSUES MIGHT EXTEND BEYOND YOUR MOUTH

Every last area of the human body is connected, so problems that originate in one spot can create a far-reaching chain reaction. In today's article, our team at MINT dentistry in Richardson City Line examines the links between your dental and oral health and your overall health. Many research studies are being conducted across the globe that are endeavoring to determine how oral health impacts general health and how overall health can have consequences for oral health. Imperfect oral health (for example, gum disease) can raise your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, make it tougher to control diabetes, and in women who are expecting, impact the baby's health. Every one of these is great reasons to ensure you establish a suitable oral health system at home and attend biannual visits with a dental practitioner in Richardson, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH INFLUENCE YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
Your mouth can be seen as a portal to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It makes sense that a disease or inflammation, like periodontitis, can easily advance to various areas of your body. These are the top four conditions that can be affected by oral health:

• DEMENTIA
  Researchers are examining the link between good oral health and increased cognitive function in seniors. For patients who have Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a reasonable correlation to poor oral health. Dementia and decreased cognitive function typically lead to more oral problems, presumably because the individual has trouble keeping to their home oral care practices.
• CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
  There is evidence that shows that inflammation of the teeth and gums (almost always from periodontal disease) can elevate someone's potential for having a heart attack or stroke. Studies are underway to explore the idea that bacteria in your mouth could induce inflammation in the vascular system.
• DIABETES
  People with diabetes need to pay careful attention to the condition of their gums to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Recurring or untreated gum disease may make it more difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar. In times when you have a problem with managing your diabetes, set up a consultation with a dental practitioner in Richardson, TX to figure out if gum disease could be part of your problem.
• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  The changes in hormones during pregnancy can put an expecting mother at increased risk of getting periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that tend to bleed. Having advanced gum disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been linked to premature delivery and low birth weight. So, it's crucial for women to practice good oral hygiene daily to defend against periodontitis and other oral health issues.

KEY ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
There are several ways to upgrade or maintain your oral health, and consequently, your overall health. These begin with a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home and going to your dental practitioner in Richardson, TX biannually.

• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To enhance your oral health, ask your dental hygienist about using preventive treatments for added support in defending against dental issues. This could include dental sealants, which will shield your molars from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel.
• SCHEDULE ANNUAL ORAL ASSESSMENTS
  During your annual oral health examination, your dental team will use digital x-rays and other equipment to check for concerns. Early management of issues will help you avoid bigger problems in the long run. In addition, issues that are caught early can typically be addressed with simpler, less invasive procedures.
• BRUSH A MINIMUM OF TWO TIMES PER DAY
  No less than twice a day, you should be cleaning your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure you aren't scrubbing too roughly with the toothbrush since it can erode your enamel and bring on receding gums.
• HANDLE ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY
  In the event that your dentist spots an issue, it's key to schedule an appointment promptly to get it dealt with. If you have any symptoms of an oral health problem, particularly persistent toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or painful chewing, you should arrange an evaluation.
• BE OPEN WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your general practitioner is treating you for diabetes or heart disease, he or she should be informed of any periodontal issues. Gum disease can have a considerable effect on your overall health.
• HAVE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
  In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, you should see your dentist in Richardson, TX no less than twice a year to get a dental cleaning. As part of these cleanings, your dentist will examine your gum pockets and check for other signs of gingivitis (the beginning stage of gum disease).
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing your teeth is particularly important in defending against periodontal problems. You should floss once a day to remove the plaque and debris from the spaces between your teeth. To confirm you are flossing the right way, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the most effective way to floss at your next cleaning.
• TALK TO YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dental practitioner, be direct about your medical history and any current health conditions. Notify him or her if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or gum disease. You might need to receive oral health evaluations more often than one time per year.

UPGRADE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR GENERAL WELL-BEING
Begin taking care of your oral health and strengthen your whole body. Researchers have evidence to suggest that inflammation and microorganisms in your mouth have the potential to be damaging to your health, both now and in the future. Paying attention to your mouth is an important part of your overall well-being, so plan a checkup with a dentist in Richardson, TX to receive an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. If you need an excellent team of skilled dental practitioners who are able to give preventive care, as well as restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in Richardson City Line. We would be pleased to help you and your family get radiant, healthy teeth at our practice in Richardson, TX.