Dental Care: Why It Influences Your Total Health

DENTAL AND ORAL PROBLEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO EXTEND BEYOND YOUR MOUTH

Each and every organ in your body is connected, so issues that show up in one place can cause a far-reaching chain reaction. In today's article, our team at MINT dentistry in Rowlett discusses the connections between your oral health and your wider physical health. A multitude of studies are in progress all over the world that are trying to figure out how oral health influences overall health or how general health can affect oral health. Poor oral health (particularly periodontal disease) can increase your likelihood of developing heart disease, make it tougher to regulate diabetes, and in women who are expecting, affect the infant's health. All of these are important reasons to ensure you establish a suitable oral health routine at home and make twice-yearly appointments with a dentist in Rowlett, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS AFFECT YOUR TOTAL HEALTH?
The mouth can be seen as a portal to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's understandable that a disease or inflammation, such as gingivitis, can quickly spread to various areas of your body. Here are the top four biggest conditions that may be affected by your oral health:

• DIABETES
  People with diabetes need to give careful attention to their gum health to help regulate their insulin levels. Lingering or untreated periodontal disease can make it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar. In times when you have trouble regulating your diabetes, schedule a consultation with a dentist in Rowlett, TX to ascertain if gum disease might be part of your problem.
• DEMENTIA
  Scientists are exploring the connection between good dental health and increased cognitive function in older patients. In women and men with Alzheimer's disease, they have found a probable connection to poor oral health. Dementia and lessening cognitive function usually spur more tooth and gum problems, most likely because the individual has trouble maintaining their home oral care regimen.
• PREGNANCY ISSUES
  The variations in hormones during pregnancy can put women at greater risk for developing gum disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes inflamed gums that are prone to bleeding. Having progressive gum disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been shown to correlate with early delivery and low birth weight. For this reason, it's quite important for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene each day to steer clear of periodontitis and other oral health concerns.
• HEART PROBLEMS
  Scientists have evidence that shows that swelling in the oral cavity (usually from periodontal disease) can increase a person's chances of having a heart attack or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are underway to delve into the idea that bacteria in your mouth can cause swelling in the arteries.

CRUCIAL ORAL HYGIENE ACTIONS
There are numerous ways to strengthen or retain your oral health, and subsequently, your total health. These begin with a diligent oral hygiene system at home and meeting with your dental practitioner in Rowlett, TX regularly.

• GET YEARLY ORAL ASSESSMENTS
  For your yearly oral health evaluation, your dental team will use digital x-rays and other equipment to look for issues. Early detection of issues can help you prevent bigger problems in the long run. Plus, problems that are detected early can generally be addressed with quicker, less invasive treatments.
• TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When speaking to your dentist, be open and honest regarding your medical history and all of your existing conditions. Let him or her know if you have a family history of cardiac disease, diabetes, or gum disease. You might be asked to come in for oral health assessments more often than yearly.
• TELL YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
  If your usual physician is prescribing you medicine for insulin problems or cardiovascular disease, he or she needs to know about any tooth or gum problems. Gum disease can have an especially big impact on your general health.
• BRUSH NO LESS THAN TWICE PER DAY
  No less than two times every day, you ought to be cleaning your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be careful that you aren't pressing too aggressively with your toothbrush because this can wear down your enamel and lead to gum recession.
• THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
  To boost your oral health, speak to your oral hygienist about using preventive options for added support in preventing dental problems. These often include tooth sealants, which can protect your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to bolster your enamel.
• GET DENTAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
  In order to remove the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, it's important to visit a dentist in Rowlett, TX at least two times a year to get a dental cleaning. As part of your cleanings, your hygienist will check your gum tissue and look for other signs of gingivitis (the primary stage of periodontitis).
• HANDLE ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY
  In cases where your dentist identifies an issue, make sure you make an appointment ASAP to get it dealt with. If you have any symptoms of an oral health problem, such as persistent toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or discomfort while eating, you need to arrange a checkup.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing is particularly important in warding off gum issues. Adults and children ought to floss every day to extract the plaque and food particles from between your teeth. To verify you are flossing the right way, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the most effective way to floss during your next cleaning.

BOOST YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR GENERAL HEALTH
Start prioritizing your oral health and boost your general health. There is evidence that indicates that inflammation and germs in your mouth could be harmful to your general health, both currently and in the long run. Taking care of your mouth is a key part of your general well-being, so schedule a visit with a dentist in Rowlett, TX to have an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. When you need a fantastic team of knowledgeable dental practitioners who offer preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, contact MINT dentistry in Rowlett. We would be pleased to help you and your family maintain radiant, healthy smiles at our location in Rowlett, TX.