Your Mouth: How It Is Connected to Your General Health

DENTAL AND ORAL ISSUES MAY IMPACT MORE THAN YOUR MOUTH

Each and every area of the human body is connected, so issues in different locations can cause a far-reaching effect. In today's blog, our group at MINT dentistry in Galveston goes over the links between your oral health and your overall health. Various research studies are being conducted across the globe that are attempting to determine how oral health affects general health and how general health can affect oral health. Poor oral health (especially periodontal disease) can raise your likelihood of developing heart disease, make it more difficult to manage diabetes, and in pregnant women, impact the infant's health. Each of these is excellent reasons to ensure you practice a good oral health regimen at home and plan biannual visits with a dentist in Galveston, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS INFLUENCE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
Your mouth is the gateway to the heart, stomach, and other vital organs. It makes sense that an infection or inflammation, such as gingivitis, can gradually spread to other areas of the body. Here are the top four most alarming conditions that may be affected by oral health:

• HEART DISEASE
  There is evidence that suggests that swelling in the oral cavity (typically from periodontal disease) can elevate a person's potential for having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is being done to explore the idea that oral bacteria may trigger swelling in the veins.
• DIABETES
  Patients with diabetes should pay special attention to their gum health to help regulate their insulin levels. Recurring or untreated gum disease could make it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar. In cases where you have a problem with regulating your blood sugar, schedule a consultation with a dental practitioner in Galveston, TX to find out if periodontal disease could be part of your problem.
• PREGNANCY ISSUES
  The shifts in hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at heightened risk of getting periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes inflamed gums that tend to bleed. Having progressive periodontal disease (periodontitis) while expecting has been associated with early birth and low birth weight. So, it's critical for expecting mothers to brush and floss each day to prevent gum disease and other oral health concerns.
• DEMENTIA
  Scientists are exploring the link between good dental health and better cognitive function in the elderly. In patients who have Alzheimer's disease, they have found a reasonable connection to poor oral health. Alzheimer's disease and impaired cognitive function frequently spur more tooth and gum problems, most likely because the person has difficulty maintaining their home oral care practices.

CRUCIAL ORAL HYGIENE STEPS
You have numerous ways to strengthen or preserve your oral health, and consequently, your general health. These begin with a diligent dental hygiene regimen at home and going to your dental practitioner in Galveston, TX biannually.

• BE OPEN WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
  If your doctor is treating you for insulin problems or cardiac disease, he or she should be informed of any tooth or gum problems. Periodontal disease can have a considerable effect on your general health.
• DEAL WITH ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
  If your dentist spots an issue, be sure to schedule an appointment ASAP to get it dealt with. If you develop any symptoms of an oral health problem, such as chronic toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or painful chewing, you should set up an appointment.
• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To enhance the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your oral hygienist about having preventive treatments to assist in warding off dental issues. These may include dental sealants, which help defend your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to harden your enamel.
• BRUSH YOUR TEETH A MINIMUM OF TWO TIMES DAILY
  No less than two times daily, you need to be brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be careful that you aren't scrubbing too roughly with your toothbrush since this can eat away at your enamel and result in a receding gumline.
• TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When visiting your dentist, be straightforward about your medical history and any existing health conditions. Tell him or her if you have any relatives with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or periodontal disease. You may need to set up oral health assessments more often than once a year.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing your teeth is extremely important in preventing periodontal disease. You should floss once a day to remove the plaque and food particles from between your teeth. To check that you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the best way to floss during your next appointment.
• GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
  In order to get rid of the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, it's essential that you visit a dentist in Galveston, TX no less than two times a year to undergo a professional cleaning. At your cleanings, your dental practitioner will check your gums and look for other indications of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease).
• HAVE ANNUAL ORAL EXAMS
  During your annual oral health checkup, your dentist will use digital x-rays and other tools to look for issues. Early diagnosis of issues should help you avoid larger issues down the road. In addition, concerns that are detected early can usually be handled with simpler, noninvasive procedures.

BOOST YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR GENERAL WELL-BEING
Begin taking care of your teeth and gums and boost your overall health. Researchers have evidence that shows that inflammation and microorganisms in your mouth may be harmful to your health, both currently and later on. Taking care of your gums and teeth is a critical part of your general well-being, so arrange a checkup with a dental practitioner in Galveston, TX to receive an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. If you're looking for an excellent team of skilled dental practitioners who offer preventive care in addition to restorative treatments, get in touch with MINT dentistry in Galveston. We would be pleased to help you and your family get beautiful, healthy smiles at our practice in Galveston, TX.