Your Mouth — How It Is Connected to Your Total Health

TOOTH AND GUM PROBLEMS CAN AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Every last area of your body influences the others, so issues in one area can create a far-reaching impact. In today's blog, our team at MINT dentistry in Lake Worth explores the connections between your dental and oral health and your overall health. Hundreds of studies are being conducted across the globe that are attempting to determine how oral health influences general health and how general health can impact oral health. Low oral health (for example, gum disease) can elevate your risk of developing heart disease, make it harder to regulate blood glucose, and, in women who are expecting, harm the baby's health. All of these are excellent reasons to make sure you have a suitable oral health routine at home and plan regular appointments with a dental practitioner in Lake Worth, TX.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOUR MOUTH INFLUENCE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
A person's mouth is a portal to vital organs, such as the stomach and even the brain. It's understandable that a disease or inflammation like periodontitis can easily spread to different parts of the body. These are some of the most threatening conditions that could be affected by oral health:

• PREGNANCY CONCERNS
  The shifts in hormones during gestation can put women at increased risk for getting gum disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having advanced gum disease (periodontitis) during pregnancy has been shown to correlate with premature delivery and low birth weight. It follows that it's very important for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene each day to defend against periodontitis and other oral health problems.
• DEMENTIA
  Researchers are looking at the link between good oral health and increased cognitive function in the elderly. For individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, there is a potential link to unsatisfactory oral health. Dementia and low cognitive function usually bring on more tooth and gum problems, most likely because the person has trouble keeping to his or her home oral care practices.
• DIABETES
  Individuals with diabetes would be wise to give particular attention to the condition of their gums to help control their blood sugar levels. Persistent or untreated gum disease can make it more difficult for the body to manage blood sugar. In the event that you have trouble managing your diabetes, arrange a checkup with a dental practitioner in Lake Worth, TX to figure out if periodontal disease might be part of the issue.
• HEART PROBLEMS
  Scientists have evidence that shows that swelling in the mouth (typically from periodontal disease) can increase someone's probability of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Studies are being conducted to explore the idea that bacteria in your mouth may induce swelling in the arteries.

CRUCIAL ORAL HYGIENE ACTIONS
You have numerous things you can do to upgrade or keep up your oral health and, therefore, your general health. These include a diligent oral hygiene regimen at home and going to your dentist in Lake Worth, TX twice a year.

• FLOSS YOUR TEETH EVERY DAY
  Flossing is extremely important in warding off periodontal issues. Adults and children ought to floss every day to extract the plaque and debris from in between your teeth. To check that you are flossing properly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to teach you the best way to floss at your next cleaning.
• TAKE CARE OF ORAL HEALTH ISSUES RIGHT AWAY
  In the event that your dentist detects a problem, make sure you schedule an appointment promptly to have it dealt with. If you have any symptoms of an oral health issue, like persistent toothaches, inflamed or bleeding gums, or painful eating, you need to schedule an exam.
• TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dentist, be frank regarding your medical history and all of your current medical conditions. Tell him or her if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, insulin issues, or periodontal disease. You might need to set up oral health assessments more often than yearly.
• BRUSH YOUR TEETH AT LEAST TWO TIMES DAILY
  At minimum twice every day, you need to be cleaning your teeth for at least two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure you aren't scrubbing too roughly with the toothbrush, as it can erode your enamel and result in a receding gum line.
• THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
  To enhance your oral health, talk to your dental hygienist about having preventive treatments to assist in defending against dental problems. This may include tooth sealants, which can keep your molars from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to bolster your enamel.
• BE OPEN WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your doctor is treating you for diabetes or heart disease, he or she should know about any periodontal issues. Periodontal disease can have a substantial impact on your total health.
• HAVE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE ORAL CHECKUPS
  For your yearly oral health evaluation, your dental team will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic tools to check for problems. Early awareness of issues will help you prevent more serious problems in the long run. In addition, issues that are caught early can typically be fixed with simpler, noninvasive treatments.
• HAVE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES PER YEAR
  To eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often collect on your teeth, it's essential that you visit a dentist in Lake Worth, TX at least two times per year to undergo a dental cleaning. At these cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gum pockets and check for other evidence of gingivitis (the primary stage of periodontal disease).

BOOST YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR TOTAL WELLBEING
Begin taking care of your teeth and gums and improve your overall health. Scientists have evidence to suggest that swelling and redness and microorganisms in your mouth may be harmful to your health, both currently and in the long run. Prioritizing your mouth is an important part of your general health, so schedule an appointment with a dentist in Lake Worth, TX to receive an oral health evaluation and professional cleaning. When you need a fantastic team of knowledgeable dental professionals who offer preventive care and restorative treatments, visit MINT dentistry in Lake Worth. We would value the chance to help you and your family maintain beautiful, healthy teeth at our location in Lake Worth, TX.