Dental Care: Why It Has Consequences For Your Total Physical Health

TOOTH AND GUM PROBLEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO EXTEND BEYOND YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Every last part of your body influences the others, so problems that show up in one place can have a much wider chain reaction. In today's blog, our group at MINT dentistry in Plano Coit explores the connections between your dental and oral health and your general health. Multiple research studies are in progress across the globe that are venturing to figure out how oral health impacts overall health or how overall health can have consequences for oral health. Imperfect oral health (in particular periodontal disease) can elevate your probability of ending up with cardiac disease, make it tougher to control blood glucose, and, if you are expecting, harm the baby's health. Each of these are important reasons to ensure you practice a suitable oral health regimen at home and attend regular visits with a dental practitioner in Plano, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH INFLUENCE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
Your mouth serves as a portal to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's understandable that a disease or inflammation in the mouth can swiftly advance to other locations of the body. Here are the top four most threatening conditions that could be affected by your oral health:

• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  The variations in hormones during gestation can put a woman at greater risk for developing gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Having late-stage gum disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been associated with premature birth and low birth weight. For this reason, it's quite important for expecting mothers to practice good oral hygiene daily to steer clear of gum disease and other oral health issues.
• HEART DISEASE
  Studies have found data that suggests that swelling in the oral cavity (generally from gum disease) can elevate someone's chances of having a cardiac event or stroke. Research is being conducted to explore the theory that bacteria in your mouth may trigger swelling in the vascular system.
• DIABETES
  Individuals with diabetes need to give close attention to their oral health to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Lingering or untreated periodontal disease can make it more challenging for your body to control blood sugar. In times when you have a problem with managing your blood sugar, schedule a visit with a dentist in Plano, TX to see if periodontal disease could be part of the issue.
• DEMENTIA
  Scientists are exploring the connection between good dental health and higher cognitive function in the elderly. For women and men who have Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a potential link to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and impaired cognitive ability frequently bring on more oral problems, most likely because the person has difficulty maintaining their home oral care practices.

IMPORTANT ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
There are multiple things you can do to improve or preserve your oral health and, consequently, your general health. These include a good oral hygiene system at home and meeting with your dental practitioner in Plano, TX biannually.

• HAVE ANNUAL ORAL HEALTH CHECKUPS
  For your annual oral health examination, your dental practitioner will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic tools to look for problems. Early management of issues will help you avoid worse problems later. In addition, issues that are detected early can generally be addressed with simpler, less invasive treatments.
• BRUSH YOUR TEETH A MINIMUM OF TWO TIMES A DAY
  At least twice each day, you ought to be cleaning your teeth for at least two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure you aren't scrubbing too hard with the toothbrush, since it can eat away at your enamel and result in receding gums.
• TEND TO ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
  If your dentist identifies an issue, it's key to schedule an appointment promptly to have it addressed. If you develop any indications of an oral health problem, particularly persistent toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or trouble chewing, you should set up an evaluation.
• SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
  In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth, you should visit a dentist in Plano, TX a minimum of two times a year to have a professional cleaning. During your cleanings, your hygienist will check your gum pockets and check for other evidence of gingivitis (the beginning stage of gum disease).
• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To enhance your oral health, speak to your dental practitioner about getting preventive options to assist in defending against dental problems. These can include dental sealants, which help shield your back teeth from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to fortify your enamel.
• TELL YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dental practitioner, be frank about your medical history and any existing conditions. Inform him or her if you have any relatives with cardiovascular disease, blood sugar issues, or gum disease. You may be encouraged to schedule oral health assessments more often than yearly.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY
  Flossing your teeth is especially important in preventing gum problems. You need to floss once a day to eliminate the plaque and debris from the spaces between your teeth. To ensure you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the most effective way to floss during your next visit.
• TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
  If your general practitioner is prescribing you medicine for insulin problems or cardiovascular disease, he or she needs to know about any oral health issues. Gum disease can have a considerable impact on your total health.

IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Begin paying attention to your teeth and gums and support your overall health. Researchers have evidence that shows that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth can be damaging to your overall health, both currently and later on. Paying attention to your mouth is an important part of your overall health, so plan a visit with a dental practitioner in Plano, TX to get an oral health assessment and dental cleaning. If you're looking for an excellent team of knowledgeable dental practitioners who offer preventive care as well as restorative treatments, contact MINT dentistry in Plano Coit. We would value the chance to help your whole family attain beautiful, healthy teeth at our location in Plano, TX.