Your Mouth: Why It Has Consequences For Your Total Health

DENTAL AND ORAL ISSUES MIGHT EXTEND BEYOND YOUR MOUTH

Every single organ in your body influences the others, so issues that begin in one place can create a much wider effect. In this blog, our group at MINT dentistry in Westheimer explores the links between your teeth and gums and your complete health. Various research studies are in progress all over the world that are attempting to determine how oral health affects overall health and how overall health can have consequences for oral health. Poor oral health (particularly gum disease) can increase your probability of developing heart disease, make it harder to regulate diabetes, and in pregnant women, affect the baby's health. Every one of these is great reasons to ensure you practice a good oral health routine at home and make biannual visits with a dentist in Houston, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS INFLUENCE YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
The mouth is a gateway to vital organs, such as the stomach and even the brain. It's no surprise that an infection or inflammation, like periodontitis, can easily advance to different parts of the body. These are the top four conditions that could be affected by your oral health:

• ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
  Researchers are studying the link between good oral health and stronger cognitive function in the elderly. In patients who have Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a possible correlation to poor oral health. Dementia and lessening cognitive ability typically bring on more oral problems, most likely because the individual has trouble sticking to his or her home oral care regimen.
• DIABETES
  People with diabetes would be wise to pay careful attention to their oral health to help regulate their insulin levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease may make it more challenging for the body to regulate blood sugar. In the event that you have trouble regulating your diabetes, arrange an evaluation with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to find out if gum disease could be part of the problem.
• CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
  Scientists have evidence that indicates that swelling of the teeth and gums (typically from periodontal disease) can raise a person's chances of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are being done to delve into the theory that oral bacteria may trigger inflammation in the vascular system.
• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  The shifts in hormones during gestation can put a woman at higher 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 delivery and underweight newborns. For this reason, it's crucial for expecting mothers to brush and floss each day to head off periodontal disease and other oral health issues.

KEY ORAL HEALTH STEPS
There are many ways to upgrade or keep up your oral health, and as a result, your overall health. These begin with a thorough oral hygiene routine at home and meeting with your dental practitioner in Houston, TX twice a year.

• FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing your teeth is particularly important in preventing gum issues. Adults and children need to floss every day to extract the plaque and debris from between their teeth. To ensure you are flossing the right way, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to demonstrate the best way to floss during your next cleaning.
• SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
  To eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often build up on your teeth, it's critical to go to your dentist in Houston, TX a minimum of twice a year to get a dental cleaning. During your cleanings, your dentist will examine your gum tissue and check for other indications of gingivitis (the primary stage of periodontal disease).
• BRUSH AT LEAST TWICE DAILY
  At least twice a day, you need to be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste. Check that you aren't pressing too hard with the toothbrush since this can erode your enamel and promote a receding gumline.
• HAVE ANNUAL ORAL HEALTH EXAMS
  At your annual oral health exam, your dental team will use digital radiography and other equipment to look for problems. Early awareness of issues should help you avoid larger problems down the road. Plus, concerns that are caught early can typically be handled with quicker, less invasive procedures.
• TALK TO YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dentist, be straightforward about your medical history and any current conditions. Tell him or her if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or periodontal disease. You might be encouraged to schedule oral health examinations more often than once a year.
• THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To improve your oral health, speak to your dental hygienist about getting preventive options for added support in warding off dental problems. These can include dental sealants, which will shield your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to reinforce your enamel.
• HANDLE ORAL HEALTH ISSUES ASAP
  In cases where your dentist finds an issue, it's key to schedule an appointment promptly to get it dealt with. If you develop any indications of an oral health problem, like chronic toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or trouble eating, you need to set up an evaluation.
• TALK TO YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
  If your general practitioner is prescribing you medicine for insulin problems or heart disease, he or she should know about any tooth or gum problems. Gum disease can have a significant impact on your overall health.

UPGRADE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Start taking care of your teeth and gums and strengthen your general health. Scientists have evidence to suggest that inflammation and microorganisms in your mouth could be damaging to your overall health, both now and long-term. Prioritizing your gums and teeth is a key part of your general well-being, so make time for an appointment with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX to get an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. When you need an excellent team of skilled dental practitioners who offer preventive care, as well as restorative treatments, get in touch with MINT dentistry in Westheimer. We would be pleased to help you and your family maintain radiant, healthy smiles at our office in Houston, TX.