Oral Hygiene: Why It Affects Your General Physical Health

DENTAL AND ORAL PROBLEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Each and every area of your body influences the others, so issues in different locations can have a much wider chain reaction. In this post, our group at MINT dentistry in Spring talks about the links between your dental and oral health and your wider physical health. Hundreds of research studies are in progress across the globe that are venturing to determine how oral health impacts general health, as well as how overall health can have consequences for oral health. Poor oral health (for example, periodontal disease) can elevate your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, make it more difficult to regulate diabetes, and in pregnant women, impact the baby's health. All of these are outstanding reasons to ensure you have a good oral health routine at home and plan biannual visits with a dentist in Spring, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR MOUTH AFFECT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
The mouth can be seen as a direct pathway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's understandable that an infection or inflammation, like periodontitis, can easily advance to diverse areas of the body. Here are a few of the conditions that may be affected by your oral health:

• PREGNANCY ISSUES
  Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at elevated risk for developing periodontal disease. Gestational gingivitis causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having progressive periodontal disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been tied to premature birth and low birth weight. Therefore, it's very important for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene daily to defend against gum disease and other oral health concerns.
• CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
  Studies have found data that suggests that inflammation of the teeth and gums (almost always from gum disease) can raise someone's potential for having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Studies are being done to delve into the theory that bacteria in your mouth could cause swelling in the vascular system.
• DIABETES
  Those with diabetes need to give special attention to the condition of their gums to help control their insulin levels. Lingering or untreated gum disease can make it more strenuous for your body to control blood sugar. If you have trouble controlling your diabetes, schedule an evaluation with a dental practitioner in Spring, TX to see if periodontal disease could be part of your issue.
• DEMENTIA
  Scientists are examining the connection between good oral health and increased cognitive function in seniors. In individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, they have found a reasonable connection to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and lessening cognitive function frequently lead to more tooth and gum problems, most likely because the person has trouble keeping to his or her home oral care practices.

CRUCIAL ORAL HYGIENE ACTIONS
You have many things you can do to strengthen or preserve your oral health, and consequently, your general health. These include a thorough dental hygiene system at home and meeting with your dentist in Spring, TX regularly.

• CONSIDER PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To improve your oral health, talk to your dental hygienist about using preventive options for added support in preventing dental problems. This can include tooth sealants, which can protect your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel.
• SCHEDULE ANNUAL ORAL EXAMS
  At your yearly oral health exam, your dental team will use digital radiography and other technology to check for issues. Early awareness of problems can help you defend against more serious problems later. Plus, problems that are caught early can typically be addressed with simpler, noninvasive treatments.
• INFORM YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
  If your usual physician is prescribing you medicine for blood sugar issues or cardiovascular disease, he or she should know about any periodontal issues. Gum disease can have a substantial influence on your overall health.
• HANDLE ORAL HEALTH ISSUES ASAP
  In cases where your dentist spots a problem, make sure you schedule an appointment ASAP to get it taken care of. If you have any indications of an oral health problem, particularly persistent toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or difficulty eating, you need to arrange an appointment.
• SPEAK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When visiting your dental practitioner, be candid about your medical history and all of your current conditions. Notify him or her if you have any relatives with heart disease, insulin issues, or periodontal disease. You might need to receive oral health assessments more often than once a year.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY
  Flossing your teeth is especially important in preventing periodontal disease. Adults and children should floss once a day to eliminate the plaque and debris from in between your teeth. To make sure you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the best way to floss during your next appointment.
• BRUSH YOUR TEETH AT LEAST TWO TIMES DAILY
  At least two times daily, you ought to be brushing your teeth for at least two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Be careful that you aren't pressing too aggressively with your toothbrush since it can erode your enamel and lead to gum recession.
• SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
  In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth, you need to visit a dentist in Spring, TX at least twice per year to be given a professional cleaning. At your cleanings, your dentist will examine your gums and look for other evidence of gingivitis (the beginning stage of gum disease).

UPGRADE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR GENERAL HEALTH
Begin taking care of your teeth and gums and strengthen your general health. Researchers have evidence that shows that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth may be harmful to your overall health, both currently and in the future. Paying attention to your gums and teeth is a significant part of your overall health, so arrange an appointment with a dental practitioner in Spring, TX to receive an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. When you need an excellent team of knowledgeable dental professionals who are able to give preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in Spring. We would value the chance to help you and your family maintain beautiful, healthy teeth at our practice in Spring, TX.