Dental Health — How It Has Consequences For Your General Physical Health

ORAL HEALTH ISSUES MAY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Every single organ in the human body influences the others, so issues in different locations can create a far-reaching effect. In this blog, our team at MINT dentistry in Little York explores the links between your teeth and gums and your complete health. Various research studies are being conducted across the globe that are attempting to determine how oral health affects general health and how general health can impact oral health. Poor oral health (particularly periodontal disease) can increase your probability of ending up with cardiac disease, make it more difficult to regulate blood glucose, and in pregnant women, affect the baby's health. Each of these is important reasons to make sure you establish a good oral health system at home and schedule regular appointments with a dentist in Houston, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR MOUTH IMPACT YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
The mouth acts as a direct pathway to vital organs, such as the stomach and even the brain. It's understandable that a disease or inflammation in the oral cavity can easily advance to numerous areas of your body. These are the top four most alarming conditions that may be affected by your oral health:

• CORONARY DISEASE
  Studies have found evidence that suggests that swelling in the mouth (typically from periodontal disease) can elevate someone's probability of having a heart attack or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are underway to delve into the idea that bacteria in your mouth could cause inflammation in the veins.
• ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
  Researchers are examining the relationship between good oral health and greater cognitive function in the elderly. For patients with Alzheimer's disease, they have found a reasonable link to poor oral health. Alzheimer's disease and low cognitive ability usually lead to more oral problems, presumably because the individual has trouble sticking to his or her home oral care practices.
• DIABETES
  People with diabetes need to give close attention to their oral health to help regulate their insulin levels. Lingering or untreated gum disease can make it more difficult for your body to control blood sugar. If you ever have a problem with controlling your blood sugar, arrange a visit with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to find out if gum disease could be part of the difficulty.
• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  Fluctuating hormones during gestation can put women at higher risk for developing periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having late-stage periodontal disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been shown to correlate with premature delivery and underweight newborns. This is why it's critical for women to practice good oral hygiene daily to avoid periodontitis and other oral health problems.

IMPORTANT ORAL HYGIENE FACTORS
You have numerous things you can do to improve or retain your oral health, and consequently, your overall health. These include a good oral hygiene regimen at home and visiting your dentist in Houston, TX biannually.

• HAVE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL EXAMS
  For your yearly oral health evaluation, your dental team will use digital x-rays and other technology to look for concerns. Early treatment of issues should help you avoid bigger problems in the long run. In addition, issues that are detected early can generally be remedied with quicker, less invasive treatments.
• FLOSS EVERY DAY
  Flossing is particularly important in avoiding periodontal disease. You need to floss once a day to get rid of the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. To check that you are flossing correctly, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the appropriate way to floss at your next appointment.
• SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
  To remove the plaque and tartar that will often collect on your teeth, it's essential that you go to your dentist in Houston, TX at least twice a year to be given a dental cleaning. During your cleanings, your hygienist will examine your gums and look for other signs of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease).
• SPEAK TO YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
  If your doctor is treating you for blood sugar issues or cardiac disease, he or she should be told about any oral health issues. Gum disease can have a significant influence on your overall health.
• THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
  To improve the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your dental hygienist about getting preventive options to assist in avoiding dental problems. This might include tooth sealants, which can shield your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to bolster your enamel.
• BRUSH NO LESS THAN TWICE PER DAY
  At least twice a day, you ought to be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be careful that you aren't pressing too roughly with your toothbrush since it can wear down your enamel and cause a receding gumline.
• TELL YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dental practitioner, be direct about your medical history and all of your current health conditions. Inform him or her if you have any relatives with heart disease, insulin issues, or gum disease. You may be encouraged to have oral health evaluations more often than yearly.
• ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH ISSUES PROMPTLY
  If your dentist detects an issue, be sure to make an appointment promptly to have it dealt with. If you have any signs of an oral health issue, particularly lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or discomfort while eating, you should arrange a visit.

IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Begin taking care of your teeth and gums and boost your whole body. Researchers have evidence that indicates that inflammation and bacteria in your mouth might be damaging to your general health, both now and in the long run. Taking care of your mouth is an important part of your overall health, so make time for a visit with a dentist in Houston, TX to get an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. If you need a distinguished team of skilled dental practitioners who offer preventive care and restorative treatments, get in touch with MINT dentistry in Little York. We would be delighted to help your whole family maintain shining, healthy teeth at our practice in Houston, TX.