Dental Care: How It Has Consequences For Your Total Health

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

Each and every area of your body can impact other areas, so issues that show up in one place can create a much wider effect. In today's blog, our team at MINT dentistry in Cypress discusses the connections between your teeth and gums and your total health. Various studies are underway across the globe that are seeking to determine how oral health affects general health or how overall health can impact oral health. Imperfect oral health (notably periodontal disease) can raise your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, make it harder to control blood glucose, and if you are expecting, harm the baby's health. Every one of these is excellent reasons to make sure you have a good oral health system at home and plan regular visits with a dental professional in Cypress, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH INFLUENCE YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
Your mouth is the direct pathway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It makes sense that an infection or inflammation, such as gingivitis, can swiftly extend to different areas of your body. These are the top four most serious conditions that could be affected by oral health:

• ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
  Scientists are studying the link between good dental health and better cognitive function in older patients. For individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, there is a possible link to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and decreased cognitive function typically lead to more oral problems, most likely because the individual has trouble maintaining his or her home oral care regimen.
• HEART DISEASE
  There is data that indicates that inflammation in the oral cavity (mostly from gum disease) can raise someone's likelihood of having a cardiac event or stroke. Studies are underway to explore the theory that oral bacteria can induce inflammation in the vascular system.
• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at elevated risk of getting periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Having late-stage periodontal disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been associated with premature birth and underweight newborns. For this reason, it's particularly important for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene every day to defend against periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
• DIABETES
  People with diabetes should give special attention to their gum health to help control their blood sugar levels. Recurring or untreated gum disease may make it more strenuous for your body to control blood sugar. If you ever have a problem with controlling your blood sugar, schedule a checkup with a dental practitioner in Cypress, TX to ascertain if periodontal disease could be part of your issue.

KEY ORAL HYGIENE FACTORS
You have a lot of ways to strengthen or preserve your oral health, and therefore, your general health. These include a diligent dental hygiene routine at home and going to your dental practitioner in Cypress, TX twice a year.

• BE OPEN WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
  If your doctor is treating you for blood sugar issues or heart disease, he or she should be told about any periodontal issues. Gum disease can have an especially big impact on your total health.
• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To enhance your oral health, speak to your hygienist about getting preventive options to assist in avoiding dental problems. These often include tooth sealants, which help shield your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to bolster your enamel.
• SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
  In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, you should see your dentist in Cypress, TX no less than twice a year to get a dental cleaning. As part of your cleanings, your dentist will examine your gums and check for other signs of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontitis).
• TEND TO ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY
  In the event that your dentist discovers an issue, be sure to schedule an appointment right away to get it taken care of. If you have any indications of an oral health problem, including lingering toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or painful chewing, you need to arrange an evaluation.
• BRUSH YOUR TEETH NO LESS THAN TWICE PER DAY
  At least twice every day, you need to be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Be careful that you aren't scrubbing too aggressively with your toothbrush as it can wear down your enamel and promote receding gums.
• GET YEARLY ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
  During your annual oral health exam, your dental practitioner will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic equipment to look for issues. Early management of problems should help you defend against worsen issues later. Plus, issues that are caught early can typically be taken care of with simpler, noninvasive treatments.
• SPEAK TO YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When speaking to your dental practitioner, be candid about your medical history and all of your existing medical conditions. Inform him or her if you have a family history of cardiac disease, blood sugar issues, or gum disease. You may need to receive oral health assessments more often than one time per year.
• FLOSS DAILY
  Flossing is especially important in avoiding gum disease. You ought to floss every day to clean out the plaque and food particles from between your teeth. To verify you are flossing correctly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the best way to floss at your next cleaning.

UPGRADE YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR TOTAL WELL-BEING
Begin taking care of your teeth and gums and boost your whole body. There is evidence that indicates that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth may be harmful to your overall health, both now and over time. Paying attention to your gums and teeth is a crucial part of your overall wellness, so arrange a checkup with a dentist in Cypress, TX to have an oral health evaluation and dental cleaning. If you need a distinguished team of knowledgeable dental professionals who are able to give preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in Cypress. We would be delighted to help you and your family attain gorgeous, healthy teeth at our location in Cypress, TX.