Oral Health: How It Affects Your General Health

ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS MAY AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR MOUTH

Every last part of the human body is connected, so issues in different locations can have a far-reaching chain reaction. In this article, our team at MINT dentistry in Woodlands goes over the connections between your dental and oral health and your total health. Many studies are underway across the globe that are attempting to figure out how oral health affects general health or how overall health can impact oral health. Poor oral health (in particular periodontal disease) can increase your chances of ending up with cardiovascular disease, make it harder to manage diabetes, and if you are pregnant, affect the baby's health. Every one of these is important reasons to ensure you practice a suitable oral health routine at home and set up twice-yearly appointments with a dentist in Shenandoah, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR MOUTH AFFECT YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is a portal to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It makes sense that a disease or inflammation of the teeth or gums can quickly advance to numerous locations of the body. Here are the top four biggest conditions that may be influenced by your oral health:

• CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
  Scientists have data that indicates that swelling in the oral cavity (almost always from periodontal disease) can raise a person's chances of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are being done to delve into the idea that bacteria in your mouth could trigger inflammation in the vascular system.
• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  The variations in hormones during pregnancy can put an expecting mother at heightened risk for getting periodontal disease. Gestational gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that are prone to bleeding. Having advanced gum disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been tied to premature delivery and underweight newborns. Therefore, it's especially important for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene each day to head off periodontitis and other oral health problems.
• DIABETES
  Individuals with diabetes would be wise to pay careful attention to their gum health to help manage their insulin levels. Lingering or untreated gum disease could make it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar. If you have a problem with regulating your diabetes, set up a checkup with a dentist in Shenandoah, TX to figure out if gum disease might be part of the problem.
• DEMENTIA
  Scientists are looking at the relationship between good oral health and greater cognitive function in the elderly. For women and men who have Alzheimer's disease, there is a probable connection to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and lessening cognitive function generally spur more oral problems, presumably because the patient has trouble keeping to his or her home oral care practices.

CRUCIAL ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
There are many ways to strengthen or sustain your oral health, and consequently, your general health. These begin with a good oral hygiene regimen at home and meeting with your dentist in Shenandoah, TX biannually.

• GET ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL HEALTH EXAMS
  During your yearly oral health exam, your dental practitioner will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic technology to check for concerns. Early management of problems should help you prevent worse problems down the road. In addition, problems that are detected early can usually be fixed with easier, noninvasive procedures.
• INFORM YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your usual physician is treating you for blood sugar issues or cardiovascular disease, he or she needs to be informed of any tooth or gum problems. Gum disease can have a significant influence on your overall health.
• TEND TO ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS PROMPTLY
  In cases where your dentist finds an issue, be sure to make an appointment ASAP to have it taken care of. If you have any indications of an oral health issue, including persistent toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or difficulty chewing, you need to arrange an evaluation.
• TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dentist, be direct about your medical history and all of your current health conditions. Let him or her know if you have any relatives with cardiovascular disease, blood sugar issues, or gum disease. You may be encouraged to have oral health assessments more often than yearly.
• FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing your teeth is particularly important in defending against gum issues. Adults and children need to floss every day to remove the plaque and food particles from between their teeth. To confirm you are flossing properly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to show you the most effective way to floss during your next cleaning.
• CONSIDER PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
  To improve the health of your teeth and gums, ask your dental practitioner about having preventive options to help in avoiding dental issues. These might include dental sealants, which will protect your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to fortify your enamel.
• BRUSH AT LEAST TWICE A DAY
  At least twice daily, you should be brushing your teeth for at least two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Be careful that you aren't scrubbing too hard with your toothbrush because it can wear down your enamel and result in a receding gumline.
• GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
  In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, it's critical to visit a dentist in Shenandoah, TX no less than twice every year to be given a dental cleaning. At your cleanings, your dental practitioner will check your gum tissue and look for other evidence of gingivitis (the beginning stage of periodontitis).

UPGRADE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Begin taking care of your teeth and gums and improve your overall health. There is evidence to suggest that inflammation and microorganisms in your mouth have the potential to be damaging to your health, both now and in the future. Prioritizing your mouth is a key part of your overall health, so plan a checkup with a dentist in Shenandoah, TX to get an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. If you need a great team of experienced dental professionals who provide preventive care, as well as restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in Woodlands. We would be happy to help you and your family attain beautiful, healthy smiles at our office in Shenandoah, TX.