Oral Hygiene And Why It Has Consequences For Your General Physical Health

TOOTH AND GUM ISSUES COULD POTENTIALLY AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Every part of the human body can impact other areas, so issues that begin in one place can create a much wider chain reaction. In today's post, our team at MINT dentistry in Fort Worth Horne goes over the links between your teeth and gums and your overall health. Many studies are in progress all over the world that are trying to figure out how oral health impacts general health or how general health can impact oral health. Poor oral health (for example, gum disease) can elevate your probability of developing cardiovascular disease, make it more difficult to regulate diabetes, and, during pregnancy, affect the infant's health. Every one of these are outstanding reasons to ensure you practice a suitable oral health routine at home and attend regular visits with a dentist in Fort Worth, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS AFFECT YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
Your mouth acts as a direct pathway to vital organs, such as the stomach and even the brain. It's understandable that an infection or inflammation in the mouth can easily advance to numerous locations of your body. Here are the top four most threatening conditions that can be affected by oral health:

• ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
  Scientists are exploring the connection between good oral health and increased cognitive function in older patients. For patients with Alzheimer's disease, scientists have discovered a probable link to unsatisfactory oral health. Alzheimer's disease and decreased cognitive function generally bring on more oral problems, probably because the individual has difficulty maintaining their home oral care practices.
• PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
  The swings in hormones during pregnancy can put a woman at greater risk for developing periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been connected to early birth and low birth weight. This is why it's crucial for pregnant women to brush and floss every day to avoid periodontitis and other oral health problems.
• CORONARY PROBLEMS
  There is data that indicates that inflammation in the mouth (generally from periodontal disease) can increase someone's risk of having a heart attack or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is underway to look at the theory that oral bacteria may trigger swelling in the vascular system.
• DIABETES
  Those with diabetes would be wise to give particular attention to their oral health to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Lingering or untreated periodontal disease may make it more difficult for the body to control blood sugar. In the event that you have a problem with regulating your diabetes, schedule a visit with a dentist in Fort Worth, TX to see if periodontal disease is part of your difficulty.

KEY ORAL HYGIENE FACTORS
You have multiple ways to improve or keep up your oral health and, therefore, your total health. These begin with a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home and going to your dental practitioner in Fort Worth, TX biannually.

• BRUSH AT LEAST TWO TIMES DAILY
  At minimum twice per day, you ought to be cleaning your teeth for a minimum of two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be careful that you aren't scrubbing too aggressively with your toothbrush, since it can wear down your enamel and bring on receding gums.
• THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To boost the health of your teeth and gums, ask your oral hygienist about having preventive treatments for added support in defending against dental issues. This may include dental sealants, which can protect your back teeth from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to harden your enamel.
• FLOSS YOUR TEETH AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing your teeth is extremely important in warding off periodontal disease. Adults and children ought to floss every day to get rid of the plaque and debris from in between your teeth. To ensure you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to teach you the best way to floss at your next visit.
• SCHEDULE YEARLY COMPREHENSIVE ORAL HEALTH EXAMS
  For your annual oral health exam, your dental practitioner will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic tools to check for concerns. Early detection of issues will help you defend against worse issues down the road. Plus, concerns that are caught early can generally be taken care of with easier, noninvasive procedures.
• HAVE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
  To eliminate the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your teeth, it's important to go to your dentist in Fort Worth, TX a minimum of twice every year to undergo a professional cleaning. At your cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gum tissue and look for other signs of gingivitis (the initial stage of periodontitis).
• ADDRESS ORAL HEALTH ISSUES PROMPTLY
  In the event that your dentist finds a problem, it's key to schedule an appointment promptly to have it addressed. If you develop any signs of an oral health issue, particularly lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or problems chewing, you should schedule an appointment.
• TALK TO YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When speaking to your dental practitioner, be straightforward about your medical history and any existing conditions. Inform him or her if you have a family history of cardiac disease, blood sugar issues, or gum disease. You might be encouraged to come in for oral health assessments more often than once a year.
• INFORM YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
  If your doctor is prescribing you medicine for blood sugar issues or heart disease, he or she should know about any oral health problems. Gum disease can have a particularly big impact on your total health.

UPGRADE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ENHANCE YOUR GENERAL HEALTH
Start taking care of your teeth and gums and boost your general health. Scientists have evidence that shows that swelling and redness and microorganisms in your mouth might be harmful to your health, both currently and in the future. Prioritizing your mouth is an important part of your overall health, so schedule an appointment with a dental practitioner in Fort Worth, TX to have an oral health assessment and professional cleaning. When you need a great team of skilled dental professionals who provide preventive care as well as restorative treatments, come by MINT dentistry in Fort Worth Horne. We would be delighted to help your whole family maintain stunning, healthy teeth at our office in Fort Worth, TX.