Your Mouth — Why It Influences Your General Health

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

Each organ in the human body influences the others, so problems that show up in one place can create a much wider effect. In this post, our team at MINT dentistry in Waxahachie explores the connections between your teeth and gums and your complete health. Various studies are underway across the globe that are endeavoring to determine how oral health influences general health, as well as how overall health can impact oral health. Imperfect oral health (particularly gum disease) can raise your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, make it more difficult to regulate blood glucose, and if you are pregnant, impact the infant's health. Each of these is important reasons to make sure you practice a suitable oral health regimen at home and schedule twice-yearly appointments with a dental professional in Waxahachie, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH IMPACT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
A person's mouth acts as a gateway to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's understandable that an infection or inflammation of the teeth or gums can gradually spread to other parts of your body. Here are a few of the most threatening conditions that can be influenced by your oral health:

• DIABETES
  Those with diabetes would be wise to give particular attention to the condition of their gums to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Recurring or untreated gum disease can make it more difficult for the body to control blood sugar. In cases where you have trouble managing your diabetes, schedule a consultation with a dentist in Waxahachie, TX to determine if gum disease is part of your issue.
• DEMENTIA
  Scientists are studying the link between good dental health and increased cognitive function in the elderly. For patients with Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a possible link to poor oral health. Alzheimer's disease and decreased cognitive ability usually bring on more oral problems, presumably because the individual has trouble maintaining their home oral care practices.
• CORONARY DISEASE
  Scientists have evidence that indicates that inflammation in the mouth (usually from gum disease) can elevate someone's probability of having a cardiac event or stroke. Studies are being conducted to explore the idea that oral bacteria could trigger inflammation in the vascular system.
• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  The variations in hormones during gestation can put an expecting mother at heightened risk for having gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes inflamed gums that are prone to bleeding. Having late-stage gum disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been associated with premature birth and low birth weight. It follows that it's especially important for expecting mothers to brush and floss each day to avoid periodontitis and other oral health concerns.

KEY ORAL HEALTH STEPS
There are many ways to strengthen or keep up your oral health, and as a result, your overall health. These begin with a good dental hygiene regimen at home and visiting your dental practitioner in Waxahachie, TX biannually.

• TALK TO YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your usual physician is treating you for blood sugar issues or heart disease, he or she needs to be told about any oral health issues. Gum disease can have a significant effect on your total health.
• BRUSH A MINIMUM OF TWICE DAILY
  At minimum twice each day, you ought to be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't pressing too aggressively with the toothbrush as this can eat away at your enamel and bring on gum recession.
• TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When speaking to your dentist, be straightforward regarding your medical history and any existing health conditions. Tell him or her if you have any relatives with cardiovascular disease, insulin issues, or periodontal disease. You might need to set up oral health evaluations more often than once a year.
• GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
  In order to remove the plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth, it's critical to see your dentist in Waxahachie, TX a minimum of twice a year to have a professional cleaning. At these cleanings, your hygienist will check your gums and look for other evidence of gingivitis (the primary stage of periodontitis).
• SCHEDULE YEARLY ORAL EXAMS
  During your annual oral health assessment, your dental team will use digital radiography and other diagnostic tools to look for problems. Early management of problems should help you defend against more concerning problems down the road. Plus, problems that are detected early can generally be remedied with simpler, less invasive procedures.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY
  Flossing your teeth is especially important in heading off gum disease. You should floss once a day to clean out the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. To make sure you are flossing the right way, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the proper way to floss during your next visit.
• THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
  To improve the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your dental hygienist about getting preventive options to help in preventing dental issues. This can include tooth sealants, which help guard your molars from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to bolster your enamel.
• ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH ISSUES RIGHT AWAY
  If your dentist spots an issue, be sure to schedule an appointment right away to have it taken care of. If you have any symptoms of an oral health problem, such as chronic toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or difficulty eating, you should set up an evaluation.

UPGRADE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Begin paying attention to your teeth and gums and strengthen your whole body. There is evidence to suggest that swelling and redness and microorganisms in your mouth could be harmful to your health, both currently and over time. Prioritizing your mouth is a significant part of your general health, so plan an appointment with a dentist in Waxahachie, TX to have an oral health assessment and dental cleaning. If you need a terrific team of knowledgeable dental practitioners who provide preventive care as well as restorative treatments, get in touch with MINT dentistry in Waxahachie. We would be happy to help you and your family maintain radiant, healthy teeth at our practice in Waxahachie, TX.