Oral Health And Why It Is Connected to Your Total Health

TOOTH AND GUM PROBLEMS COULD POTENTIALLY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Every organ in the human body influences the others, so problems that show up in one place can have a much wider chain reaction. In this article, our team at MINT dentistry in Las Colinas talks about the links between your oral health and your total health. Various research studies are being conducted all over the world that are endeavoring to determine how oral health influences general health or how general health can have consequences for oral health. Imperfect oral health (particularly periodontal disease) can increase your likelihood of developing heart disease, make it more difficult to control blood glucose, and in pregnant women, harm the infant's health. Each of these is great reasons to make sure you establish a suitable oral health routine at home and attend regular visits with a dental professional in Las Colinas, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH INFLUENCE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is essentially a gateway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It makes sense that an infection or inflammation, such as gingivitis, can quickly spread to different locations of your body. Here are a few of the biggest conditions that could be affected by your oral health:

• PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
  The shifts in hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at heightened risk for developing periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Having advanced gum disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been tied to premature birth and underweight newborns. It follows that it's quite important for pregnant women to brush and floss every day to steer clear of periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
• DIABETES
  Men and women with diabetes should give close attention to the condition of their gums to help regulate their insulin levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease could make it more challenging for your body to control blood sugar. In times when you have trouble managing your diabetes, schedule an evaluation with a dental practitioner in Las Colinas, TX to figure out if periodontal disease is part of your issue.
• DEMENTIA
  Researchers are studying the relationship between good dental health and higher cognitive function in seniors. For individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, they have found a likely connection to poor oral health. Dementia and low cognitive ability typically bring on more oral problems, probably because the patient has difficulty keeping to his or her home oral care practices.
• HEART DISEASE
  Scientists have data that suggests that swelling in the oral cavity (typically from periodontal disease) can increase a person's chances of having a heart attack or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are being done to investigate the idea that oral bacteria could lead to inflammation in the vascular system.

KEY ORAL HEALTH FACTORS
You have several things you can do to improve or keep up your oral health, and subsequently, your overall health. These begin with a diligent dental hygiene routine at home and meeting with your dentist in Las Colinas, TX twice a year.

• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To improve the health of your teeth and gums, ask your dentist about using preventive treatments to assist in warding off dental problems. This could include dental sealants, which can shield your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to bolster your enamel.
• BRUSH YOUR TEETH A MINIMUM OF TWO TIMES PER DAY
  No less than twice a day, you should be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't pressing too hard with your toothbrush since it can eat away at your enamel and promote a receding gumline.
• INFORM YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
  If your general practitioner is prescribing you medicine for blood sugar issues or cardiovascular disease, he or she should be told about any oral health problems. Periodontal disease can have a considerable impact on your general health.
• SCHEDULE YEARLY COMPREHENSIVE ORAL EXAMS
  For your annual oral health assessment, your dentist will use digital x-rays and other equipment to look for issues. Early diagnosis of problems should help you prevent bigger problems in the long run. In addition, concerns that are caught early can usually be addressed with simpler, noninvasive treatments.
• FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing is extremely important in heading off gum issues. Adults and children should floss every day to extract the plaque and debris from the spaces between their teeth. To ensure you are flossing the right way, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the most productive way to floss during your next appointment.
• SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
  To eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often collect on your teeth, it's essential that you go to your dentist in Las Colinas, TX a minimum of two times per year to get a professional cleaning. At your cleanings, your hygienist will check your gums and look for other evidence of gingivitis (the primary stage of periodontitis).
• SPEAK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dentist, be open and honest regarding your medical history and any current medical conditions. Notify him or her if you have any relatives with heart disease, diabetes, or periodontal disease. You might need to come in for oral health examinations more often than once a year.
• TAKE CARE OF ORAL HEALTH ISSUES ASAP
  In cases where your dentist identifies an issue, make sure you make an appointment promptly to get it addressed. If you develop any symptoms of an oral health issue, like persistent toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or difficulty eating, you need to schedule an exam.

IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Begin taking care of your oral health and help your general health. There is evidence that indicates that inflammation and microorganisms in your mouth have the potential to be harmful to your overall health, both now and long-term. Paying attention to your gums and teeth is a key part of your general well-being, so set up a checkup with a dental practitioner in Las Colinas, TX to get an oral health evaluation and dental cleaning. When you need a fantastic team of experienced dental professionals who provide preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, visit MINT dentistry in Las Colinas. We would value the chance to help your whole family get beautiful, healthy smiles at our office in Las Colinas, TX.