Oral Health And Why It Impacts Your Total Physical Health

TOOTH AND GUM ISSUES MAY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR MOUTH

Every area of the human body can impact other areas, so issues in one area can cause a far-reaching chain reaction. In today's blog, our team at MINT dentistry in East Houston examines the links between your oral health and your complete health. Many research studies are underway across the globe that are trying to figure out how oral health influences overall health and how general health can affect oral health. Imperfect oral health (particularly gum disease) can raise your chances of ending up with cardiac disease, make it more complicated to regulate blood glucose, and in women who are expecting, affect the baby's health. Every one of these is outstanding reasons to make sure you have a suitable oral health system at home and plan twice-yearly visits with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS AFFECT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is the direct pathway to vital organs, such as the stomach and even the brain. It makes sense that a disease or inflammation, like periodontitis, can quickly advance to numerous locations of the body. These are the top four conditions that can be influenced by oral health:

• ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
  Scientists are looking at the link between good oral health and increased cognitive function in older patients. For individuals with Alzheimer's disease, they have found a probable correlation to poor oral health. Dementia and lessening cognitive ability frequently lead to more oral problems, presumably because the person has difficulty keeping to his or her home oral care routine.
• CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
  Studies have found data that shows that swelling of the teeth and gums (mostly from gum disease) can raise a person's likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. Studies are underway to delve into the theory that bacteria in your mouth can cause inflammation in the veins.
• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at elevated risk for developing periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes inflamed gums that tend to bleed. Having progressive gum disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been shown to correlate with early birth and low birth weight. For this reason, it's particularly important for expecting mothers to practice good oral hygiene each day to defend against periodontal disease and other oral health concerns.
• DIABETES
  Those with diabetes need to give particular attention to their oral health to help manage their blood sugar levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease can make it tougher for your body to regulate blood sugar. If you ever have a problem with regulating your blood sugar, set up an evaluation with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to find out if periodontal disease is part of the problem.

IMPORTANT ORAL HEALTH ACTIONS
There are several things you can do to improve or preserve your oral health, and as a result, your total health. These begin with a diligent dental hygiene routine at home and visiting your dentist in Houston, TX twice a year.

• ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
  In the event that your dentist finds an issue, make sure you schedule an appointment ASAP to have it addressed. If you develop any signs of an oral health issue, including persistent toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or painful eating, you need to set up an exam.
• CONSIDER PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To improve your oral health, speak to your dental hygienist about having preventive options for added support in warding off dental problems. This could include tooth sealants, which will guard your molars from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to harden your enamel.
• SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
  In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, you should go to your dentist in Houston, TX at least two times every year to have a dental cleaning. As part of your cleanings, your hygienist will check your gum pockets and look for other indications of gingivitis (the initial stage of gum disease).
• GET YEARLY COMPREHENSIVE ORAL EXAMS
  During your annual oral health evaluation, your dentist will use digital radiography and other technology to look for issues. Early diagnosis of issues will help you avoid worse problems later. In addition, issues that are caught early can generally be handled with easier, noninvasive treatments.
• BRUSH A MINIMUM OF TWICE DAILY
  At minimum two times per day, you ought to be cleaning your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure you aren't scrubbing too hard with the toothbrush as it can erode your enamel and bring on gum recession.
• BE OPEN WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your usual physician is treating you for diabetes or cardiovascular disease, he or she needs to be informed of any periodontal issues. Gum disease can have a considerable influence on your total health.
• TALK TO YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When visiting your dentist, be open and honest about your medical history and any existing conditions. Alert him or her if you have any relatives with cardiovascular disease, insulin issues, or periodontal disease. You may need to have oral health evaluations more often than once a year.
• FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing your teeth is especially important in warding off periodontal problems. Adults and children need to floss every day to remove the plaque and debris from between your teeth. To verify you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to teach you the most productive way to floss at your next cleaning.

BOOST YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR GENERAL WELL-BEING
Start prioritizing your oral health and support your whole body. Researchers have evidence to suggest that swelling and redness and bacteria in your mouth could be harmful to your overall health, both currently and over time. Taking care of your mouth is an important part of your overall wellness, so make time for a visit with a dentist in Houston, TX to get an oral health exam and professional cleaning. When you need a fantastic team of experienced dental professionals who offer preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, get in touch with MINT dentistry in East Houston. We would value the chance to help you and your family maintain beautiful, healthy smiles at our location in Houston, TX.