Dental Care — Why It Influences Your Overall Physical Health

ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Each area of the human body is connected, so issues that begin in one place can have a far-reaching effect. In this post, our group at MINT dentistry in Burleson examines the links between your teeth and gums and your general health. Various research studies are in progress all over the world that are endeavoring to figure out how oral health impacts general health, as well as how general health can have consequences for oral health. Imperfect oral health (particularly periodontal disease) can elevate your likelihood of ending up with cardiac disease, make it more difficult to regulate diabetes, and if you are expecting, affect the infant's health. Every one of these is important reasons to ensure you practice a suitable oral health regimen at home and attend twice-yearly appointments with a dental practitioner in Burleson, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH INFLUENCE YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
A person's mouth serves as a direct pathway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's understandable that an infection or inflammation in the mouth can swiftly advance to various parts of your body. These are some of the most serious conditions that could be influenced by your oral health:

• DIABETES
  People with diabetes should give special attention to their oral health to help control their blood sugar levels. Persistent or untreated gum disease may make it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar. In times when you have a problem with controlling your blood sugar, schedule a consultation with a dental practitioner in Burleson, TX to ascertain if gum disease is part of the difficulty.
• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  The changes in hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at elevated risk for having periodontal disease. Gestational gingivitis causes inflamed gums that are prone to bleeding. Having advanced gum disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been connected to premature delivery and low birth weight. It follows that it's critical for expecting mothers to brush and floss each day to steer clear of periodontitis and other oral health problems.
• CORONARY DISEASE
  Scientists have evidence that suggests that swelling of the teeth and gums (mostly from gum disease) can raise someone's chances of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is being conducted to delve into the theory that oral bacteria may cause swelling in the arteries.
• ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
  Researchers are investigating the relationship between good dental health and greater cognitive function in seniors. For women and men with Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a probable link to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and lessening cognitive function usually bring on more oral problems, probably because the person has trouble sticking to his or her home oral care regimen.

CRUCIAL ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
You have several things you can do to strengthen or preserve your oral health, and as a result, your total health. These include a thorough dental hygiene regimen at home and seeing your dentist in Burleson, TX twice a year.

• BRUSH YOUR TEETH NO LESS THAN TWICE DAILY
  At least twice daily, you should be brushing your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't scrubbing too hard with your toothbrush since this can erode your enamel and bring on a receding gum line.
• BE OPEN WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your usual physician is treating you for diabetes or cardiac disease, he or she should be told about any tooth or gum problems. Periodontal disease can have a substantial influence on your general health.
• SPEAK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dentist, be frank about your medical history and all of your current medical conditions. Inform him or her if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or periodontal disease. You might be encouraged to have oral health evaluations more often than yearly.
• ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS PROMPTLY
  If your dentist finds an issue, it's key to make an appointment right away to have it taken care of. If you have any indications of an oral health issue, such as lingering toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or discomfort while eating, you should set up a visit.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY
  Flossing your teeth is especially important in avoiding periodontal issues. You should floss every day to get rid of the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. To confirm you are flossing correctly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to show you the best way to floss during your next appointment.
• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To enhance your oral health, speak to your dental hygienist about using preventive options for added support in avoiding dental issues. These might include tooth sealants, which help shield your molars from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to harden your enamel.
• GET DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
  In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that can collect on your teeth, it's essential that you see your dentist in Burleson, TX no less than two times every year to undergo a dental cleaning. At your cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gum pockets and look for other indications of gingivitis (the initial stage of periodontal disease).
• SCHEDULE YEARLY ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
  For your annual oral health checkup, your dental practitioner will use digital radiography and other equipment to check for concerns. Early awareness of issues can help you defend against more concerning issues down the road. Plus, concerns that are detected early can usually be handled with quicker, noninvasive procedures.

IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ENHANCE YOUR GENERAL HEALTH
Begin paying attention to your teeth and gums and strengthen your whole body. There is evidence to suggest that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth might be damaging to your overall health, both currently and later on. Taking care of your mouth is a crucial part of your general well-being, so schedule an appointment with a dentist in Burleson, TX to receive an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. If you're looking for a fantastic team of knowledgeable dental practitioners who provide preventive care, as well as restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in Burleson. We would be delighted to help you and your family maintain shining, healthy smiles at our practice in Burleson, TX.