Oral Hygiene And How It Influences Your Overall Health

DENTAL AND ORAL PROBLEMS MIGHT AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Every single organ in your body influences the others, so issues that show up in one place can have a much wider effect. In this article, our team at MINT dentistry in Garland goes over the links between your dental and oral health and your total health. Various studies are in progress across the globe that are attempting to determine how oral health influences general health or how overall health can affect oral health. Imperfect oral health (particularly periodontal disease) can increase your probability of developing cardiovascular disease, make it more complicated to manage diabetes, and, in pregnant women, impact the infant's health. All of these are outstanding reasons to ensure you establish a good oral health system at home and plan bi-annual appointments with a dental practitioner in Garland, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS IMPACT YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is basically a direct pathway to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It's no surprise that a disease or inflammation like periodontitis can quickly spread to diverse parts of the body. These are a few of the biggest conditions that could be affected by oral health:

• CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
  There is data that suggests that swelling in the oral cavity (typically from periodontal disease) can increase a person's chances of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Studies are being done to explore the idea that bacteria in your mouth can trigger swelling in the vascular system.
• DIABETES
  Men and women with diabetes need to pay special attention to their oral health to help control their blood sugar levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease may make it more challenging for the body to manage blood sugar. In the event that you have trouble regulating your blood sugar, schedule an evaluation with a dental practitioner in Garland, TX to figure out if gum disease is part of your issue.
• PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
  The swings in hormones during gestation can put an expecting mother at greater risk for having gum disease. Gestational gingivitis causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having progressive gum disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been tied to early birth and low birth weight. It follows that it's crucial for women to brush and floss each day to avoid periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
• DEMENTIA
  Scientists are studying the link between good dental health and better cognitive function in older patients. For individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a probable connection to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and impaired cognitive function usually spur more oral problems, most likely because the individual has trouble maintaining his or her home oral care practices.

IMPORTANT ORAL HEALTH ACTIONS
There are multiple things you can do to upgrade or retain your oral health and, in turn, your total health. These begin with a diligent dental hygiene system at home and going to your dentist in Garland, TX twice a year.

• BRUSH AT LEAST TWICE DAILY
  No less than two times every day, you need to be cleaning your teeth for at least two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Check that you aren't scrubbing too roughly with your toothbrush, as this can wear down your enamel and bring on a receding gum line.
• GET DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
  In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, you should go to your dentist in Garland, TX at least two times a year to receive a dental cleaning. During your cleanings, your dentist will check your gum tissue and look for other indications of gingivitis (the initial stage of periodontal disease).
• HAVE YEARLY ORAL HEALTH CHECKUPS
  For your annual oral health evaluation, your dentist will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic technology to look for issues. Early detection of problems will help you prevent larger issues later. Plus, issues that are caught early can generally be handled with easier, noninvasive treatments.
• THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
  To enhance the health of your teeth and gums, ask your dentist about getting preventive options to help in avoiding dental issues. These could include dental sealants, which help keep your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to fortify your enamel.
• HANDLE ORAL HEALTH ISSUES PROMPTLY
  In cases where your dentist discovers an issue, be sure to schedule an appointment promptly to have it taken care of. If you develop any signs of an oral health problem, including lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or difficulty chewing, you should arrange a checkup.
• TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When visiting your dentist, be frank regarding your medical history and any existing medical conditions. Notify him or her if you have any relatives with cardiovascular disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You may be encouraged to set up oral health evaluations more often than yearly.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH EVERY DAY
  Flossing your teeth is extremely important in avoiding periodontal issues. Adults and children should floss once a day to get rid of the plaque and debris from in between your teeth. To confirm you are flossing correctly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the best way to floss during your next appointment.
• SPEAK TO YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your usual physician is treating you for blood sugar issues or cardiac disease, he or she needs to be informed of any periodontal issues. Periodontal disease can have an especially big impact on your general health.

BOOST YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Begin taking care of your teeth and gums and improve your overall health. Scientists have evidence that shows that swelling and redness and bacteria in your mouth could be harmful to your general health, both currently and over time. Paying attention to your gums and teeth is a significant part of your overall health, so make time for an appointment with a dentist in Garland, TX to receive an oral health exam and dental cleaning. If you need an excellent team of experienced dental professionals who offer preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in Garland. We would be pleased to help you and your family get beautiful, healthy smiles at our office in Garland, TX.