Dental Health — Why It Impacts Your Overall Physical Health

DENTAL AND ORAL ISSUES COULD POTENTIALLY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Every last organ in your body influences the others, so issues in different locations can create a much wider effect. In today's article, our group at MINT dentistry in Humble explores the connections between your teeth and gums and your general health. Hundreds of research studies are being conducted all over the world that are trying to determine how oral health influences general health, as well as how overall health can affect oral health. Low oral health (in particular gum disease) can elevate your chances of developing heart disease, make it tougher to regulate diabetes, and, during pregnancy, impact the infant's health. All of these are important reasons to ensure you have a good oral health routine at home and make regular appointments with a dental professional in Humble, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR MOUTH AFFECT YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
Your mouth serves as a direct pathway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It makes sense that an infection or inflammation in the oral cavity can quickly spread to various parts of the body. Here are some of the most serious conditions that can be affected by oral health:

• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  The swings in hormones during gestation can put women at increased risk for getting gum disease. Gestational gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that tend to bleed. Having advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been associated with early delivery and low birth weight. Therefore, it's critical for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene daily to defend against periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
• DEMENTIA
  Researchers are studying the relationship between good dental health and better cognitive function in seniors. For individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, there is a reasonable link to poor oral health. Alzheimer's disease and poor cognitive function usually lead to more oral problems, most likely because the patient has trouble keeping to his or her home oral care regimen.
• DIABETES
  Those with diabetes would be wise to give particular attention to their oral health to help control their blood sugar levels. Recurring or untreated gum disease could make it more challenging for your body to regulate blood sugar. In cases where you have a problem with controlling your blood sugar, arrange a visit with a dental practitioner in Humble, TX to figure out if periodontal disease might be part of the difficulty.
• CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
  Studies have found data that shows that swelling of the teeth and gums (almost always from gum disease) can raise someone's risk of having a cardiac event or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is being done to investigate the idea that oral bacteria may bring about swelling in the arteries.

CRUCIAL ORAL HEALTH ACTIONS
You have several things you can do to improve or keep up your oral health and, as a result, your overall health. These include a good dental hygiene routine at home and visiting your dental practitioner in Humble, TX twice a year.

• FLOSS YOUR TEETH EVERY DAY
  Flossing is extremely important in defending against periodontal problems. You should floss every day to extract the plaque and food particles from between your teeth. To make sure you are flossing correctly, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the best way to floss at your next visit.
• CONSIDER PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
  To improve your oral health, talk to your dental practitioner about using preventive options to assist in preventing dental issues. These might include tooth sealants, which can protect your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel.
• TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When visiting your dentist, be direct about your medical history and all of your existing medical conditions. Inform him or her if you have any relatives with heart disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You may be encouraged to have oral health assessments more often than yearly.
• BRUSH NO LESS THAN TWO TIMES DAILY
  At least twice a day, you ought to be brushing your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure you aren't scrubbing too hard with the toothbrush, as it can wear down your enamel and promote a receding gum line.
• TELL YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your general practitioner is prescribing you medicine for blood sugar issues or cardiac disease, he or she needs to be informed of any oral health issues. Periodontal disease can have a substantial impact on your overall health.
• DEAL WITH ORAL HEALTH ISSUES PROMPTLY
  If your dentist finds a problem, be sure to make an appointment promptly to get it addressed. If you have any symptoms of an oral health problem, like lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or problems chewing, you need to schedule an evaluation.
• GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
  In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, you need to go to your dentist in Humble, TX at least two times a year to receive a professional cleaning. During these cleanings, your dentist will check your gums and look for other evidence of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease).
• HAVE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL ASSESSMENTS
  For your annual oral health exam, your dentist will use digital x-rays and other equipment to look for problems. Early management of problems will help you prevent more concerning issues down the road. Plus, concerns that are detected early can typically be fixed with easier, less invasive procedures.

IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ENHANCE YOUR GENERAL WELLBEING
Begin taking care of your oral health and boost your general health. Researchers have evidence that shows that swelling and redness and bacteria in your mouth could be damaging to your general health, both now and later on. Paying attention to your mouth is an important part of your general wellness, so plan a visit with a dentist in Humble, TX to get an oral health exam and dental cleaning. If you're looking for an excellent team of knowledgeable dental practitioners who provide preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, call MINT dentistry in Humble. We would value the chance to help you and your family attain shining, healthy smiles at our location in Humble, TX.