Oral Hygiene And How It Is Connected to Your General Health

DENTAL AND ORAL PROBLEMS MIGHT EXTEND BEYOND YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Every single part of your body influences the others, so issues that originate in one spot can have a far-reaching chain reaction. In today's blog, our team at MINT orthodontics explores the connections between your teeth and gums and your overall health. Many research studies are in progress across the globe that are venturing to determine how oral health impacts general health and how general health can affect oral health. Poor oral health (notably periodontal disease) can raise your risk of developing cardiac disease, make it more complicated to regulate diabetes, and if you are pregnant, affect the baby's health. Every one of these is outstanding reasons to make sure you practice a good oral health regimen at home and set up regular appointments with a dental professional in Dallas, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS INFLUENCE YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
A person's mouth acts as a portal to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It makes sense that a disease or inflammation, such as gingivitis, can quickly advance to various locations of your body. These are a few of the most serious conditions that could be influenced by oral health:

• DIABETES
  Individuals with diabetes need to pay special attention to their gum health to help regulate their insulin levels. Lingering or untreated periodontal disease can make it more difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar. In the event that you have trouble managing your diabetes, set up a consultation with a dental practitioner in Dallas, TX to see if periodontal disease might be part of the issue.
• PREGNANCY ISSUES
  Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at higher risk of having gum disease. Gestational gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that are prone to bleeding. Having late-stage gum disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been tied to premature birth and underweight newborns. For this reason, it's very important for women to brush and floss daily to defend against gum disease and other oral health problems.
• ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
  Scientists are investigating the link between good oral health and stronger cognitive function in the elderly. For women and men with Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a probable link to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and poor cognitive ability typically spur more tooth and gum problems, most likely because the person has difficulty keeping to their home oral care practices.
• CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
  There is evidence that shows that swelling in the mouth (mostly from gum disease) can raise someone's probability of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Research is underway to examine the idea that bacteria in your mouth may bring about inflammation in the vascular system.

KEY ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
You have a lot of things you can do to upgrade or maintain your oral health, and in turn, your overall health. These include a thorough oral hygiene system at home and scheduling appointments with your dentist in Dallas, TX regularly.

• TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your general practitioner is prescribing you medicine for blood sugar issues or cardiac disease, he or she should be informed of any tooth or gum problems. Gum disease can have an especially big impact on your total health.
• HAVE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL ASSESSMENTS
  For your annual oral health examination, your dental team will use digital radiography and other tools to look for issues. Early diagnosis of issues will help you prevent more concerning problems down the road. In addition, problems that are caught early can usually be handled with easier, noninvasive procedures.
• GET DENTAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
  To get rid of the plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth, it's essential that you go to your dentist in Dallas, TX a minimum of twice a year to get a dental cleaning. At your cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gum tissue and check for other evidence of gingivitis (the primary stage of gum disease).
• BRUSH A MINIMUM OF TWICE DAILY
  At minimum two times a day, you need to be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't pressing too aggressively with your toothbrush as it can eat away at your enamel and result in gum recession.
• TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dental practitioner, be candid about your medical history and all of your current health conditions. Tell him or her if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, blood sugar issues, or gum disease. You may be encouraged to schedule oral health evaluations more often than one time per year.
• CONSIDER PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
  To improve the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your hygienist about using preventive options to assist in avoiding dental issues. This often include dental sealants, which can protect your molars from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to fortify your enamel.
• ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH ISSUES RIGHT AWAY
  In the event that your dentist identifies a problem, make sure you make an appointment ASAP to get it taken care of. If you have any indications of an oral health problem, like chronic toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or discomfort while eating, you should schedule a checkup.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY
  Flossing your teeth is especially important in preventing gum problems. Adults and children need to floss every day to clean out the plaque and food particles from in between their teeth. To check that you are flossing correctly, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the most productive way to floss at your next visit.

BOOST YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR TOTAL WELL-BEING
Start prioritizing your oral health and help your overall health. Scientists have evidence that shows that inflammation and microorganisms in your mouth may be damaging to your health, both now and in the long run. Paying attention to your gums and teeth is a crucial part of your general wellness, so make time for a visit with a dentist in Dallas, TX to get an oral health exam and dental cleaning. If you're looking for a distinguished team of skilled dental practitioners who provide preventive care and restorative treatments, get in touch with MINT orthodontics. We would be delighted to help your whole family attain stunning, healthy teeth at our practice in Dallas, TX.