Dental Hygiene And How It Affects Your Body
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ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS COULD POTENTIALLY EXTEND BEYOND YOUR MOUTH
Each and every area of your body is connected, so problems in each area can have a far-reaching impact. In today's article, our team at Parker West Dental Associates talks about the links between your oral health and your general health. Various studies are being conducted all over the world that are venturing to determine how oral health affects overall health, as well as how overall health can impact oral health. Poor oral health (in particular gum disease) can increase your probability of developing heart disease, make it more difficult to manage diabetes, and, if you are pregnant, affect the baby's health. All of these are outstanding reasons to make sure you have a good oral health routine at home and schedule regular appointments with a dentist in Plano, TX.
HOW DOES YOUR ORAL HEALTH AFFECT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
Your mouth is the gateway to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It makes sense that an infection or inflammation in the mouth can eventually extend to other areas of your body. These are some of the nastiest conditions that may be influenced by oral health:
- DEMENTIA
Scientists are studying the connection between good oral health and better cognitive function in seniors. For patients with Alzheimer's disease, there is a likely link to poor oral health. Dementia and impaired cognitive function often lead to more dental problems, probably because the patient has trouble keeping to their home oral care routine. - DIABETES
Patients with diabetes need to pay extra attention to their gum health to help control their insulin levels. Recurring or untreated periodontal disease can make it more challenging for your body to manage blood sugar. If you ever have trouble managing your diabetes, schedule an appointment with a dentist in Plano, TX to figure out if gum disease might be part of your problem - PREGNANCY ISSUES
The fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy can put women at greater risk for developing gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Having advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been tied to premature birth and low birth weight. For this reason, it's quite important for women to brush and floss every day to steer clear of gum disease and other oral health problems. - HEART DISEASE
There is evidence that indicates that inflammation in the mouth (almost always from gum disease) can increase a person's likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. Research is being done to explore the theory that oral bacteria can induce swelling in the arteries.
IMPORTANT ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
There are multiple things you can do to improve or keep up your oral health and, as a result, your overall health. These include a good oral hygiene routine at home and visiting your dentist in Plano, TX regularly.
- BRUSH TWICE A DAY
At least twice every day, you should be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure you are not pressing too hard with the brush, since this can wear down your enamel and cause gum recession. - SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BI-ANNUALLY
To remove the plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth, it's critical to visit a dentist in Plano, TX at least twice a year to be given a professional cleaning. During these cleanings, your dentist will check your gum pockets and look for other signs of gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease). - CONSIDER PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To improve your oral health, speak to your oral hygienist about getting preventive treatments to help in warding off dental problems. This often include dental sealants, which help protect your back teeth from cavities, or fluoride rinses to reinforce your enamel. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Flossing is especially important in defending against gum problems. You should floss at least once each day to remove the plaque and debris from between your teeth. To confirm you are flossing correctly, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the best way to floss at your next appointment. - TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When speaking to your dentist, be candid regarding your medical history and any current conditions. Inform him or her if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or gum disease. You may need to receive oral health examinations more often than once a year. - GET ANNUAL ORAL EXAMINATIONS
During your annual oral health checkup, your dental team will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic equipment to check for concerns. Early diagnosis of problems can help you avoid more concerning problems later. Plus, issues that are caught early can typically be taken care of with simpler, noninvasive treatments. - TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
If your general practitioner is treating you for diabetes or heart disease, he or she needs to know about any periodontal issues. Gum disease can have a considerable impact on your general health. - DEAL WITH ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS PROMPTLY
If your dentist discovers a problem, make sure you schedule an appointment promptly to get it addressed. If you have any symptoms of an oral health issue, such as persistent toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or painful chewing, you should schedule an appointment.
IMPROVE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR TOTAL WELLBEING
Start taking care of your oral health and boost your quality of life. There is evidence to suggest that inflammation and bacteria in your mouth could be damaging to your health, both currently and in the future. Taking care of your mouth is a key part of your overall wellness, so make time for an appointment with a dentist in Plano, TX to get an oral health exam and professional cleaning. If you're looking for a distinguished team of experienced dental professionals who offer preventive care as well as restorative treatments, come by Parker West Dental Associates. We would be delighted to help your whole family get radiant, healthy smiles at our practice in Plano, TX.