TOOTH AND GUM ISSUES MIGHT AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
Each part of the human body influences the rest, so issues that begin in one area can cause a much wider effect. In this blog, our team at DentalWorks – Durham discusses the connections between your teeth and gums and your overall health. Many research studies are underway across the globe that are attempting to figure out how oral health impacts general health or how general health can affect oral health. Imperfect oral health (for example, periodontal disease) can raise your chances of ending up with cardiovascular disease, make it harder to control blood glucose, and, during pregnancy, impact the infant’s health. Each of these are important reasons to ensure you practice a suitable oral health regimen at home and make bi-annual visits with a dental practitioner in Durham, NC.
HOW DO YOUR TEETH AND GUMS IMPACT YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
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The mouth is a portal to vital organs, such as the heart and stomach. It’s no surprise that a disease or inflammation of the teeth or gums can swiftly expand to different parts of the body. Here are a few of the most threatening conditions that can be affected by your oral health:
- ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Researchers are investigating the link between good oral health and higher cognitive function in the elderly. In individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease, they have found a possible connection to poor oral health. Alzheimer’s disease and low cognitive function generally bring on more oral problems, most likely because the individual has difficulty maintaining his or her home oral care regimen.
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- CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
Scientists have data that shows that swelling in the oral cavity (generally from periodontal disease) can raise someone’s potential for having a cardiac event or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Studies are underway to look at the idea that bacteria in your mouth could cause inflammation in the veins.
- DIABETES
Men and women with diabetes should pay careful attention to their oral health to help manage their blood sugar levels. Persistent or untreated gum disease could make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar. In times when you have a problem with controlling your insulin, set up a consultation with a dental practitioner in Durham, NC to find out if periodontal disease could be part of the issue
- PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
Fluctuating hormones during gestation can put a woman at higher risk for having periodontal disease. Gestational gingivitis causes inflamed gums that are prone to bleeding. Having progressive gum disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been associated with early delivery and underweight newborns. Therefore, it’s quite important for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene daily to prevent periodontal disease and other oral health concerns.
KEY ORAL HEALTH FACTORS
You have many things you can do to strengthen or preserve your oral health and, therefore, your general health. These begin with a diligent oral hygiene regimen at home and seeing your dental practitioner in Durham, NC bi-annually.
- THINK ABOUT PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
To enhance the health of your teeth and gums, talk to your hygienist about using preventive treatments to assist in preventing dental issues. These may include tooth sealants, which help defend your molars from cavities, or fluoride rinses to harden your enamel.
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- TAKE CARE OF ORAL HEALTH ISSUES RIGHT AWAY
In the event that your dentist detects an issue, be sure to make an appointment right away to have it taken care of. If you develop any signs of an oral health problem, like lingering toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or problems chewing, you need to make an appointment.
- SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
When talking to your dental practitioner, be direct about your medical history and all of your existing conditions. Alert him or her if you have a family history of cardiac disease, blood sugar issues, or periodontal disease. You might be asked to set up oral health evaluations more often than yearly.
- GET DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE A YEAR
In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, it’s important to see your dentist in Durham, NC a minimum of two times per year to have a dental cleaning. At your cleanings, your dental practitioner will examine your gum pockets and check for other indications of gingivitis (the beginning stage of periodontal disease).
- FLOSS YOUR TEETH AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Flossing is particularly important in avoiding periodontal issues. Adults and children need to floss no less than once per day to extract the plaque and food particles from the spaces between your teeth. To ensure you are flossing properly, ask your dental practitioner or hygienist to show you the most effective way to floss during your next visit.
- SPEAK TO YOUR GENERAL PRACTITIONER ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
If your usual physician is prescribing you medicine for insulin problems or cardiac disease, he or she should be told about any oral health problems. Periodontal disease can have an especially big effect on your overall health.
- BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES PER DAY
At minimum two times per day, you need to be cleaning your teeth for no less than two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be careful that you aren’t scrubbing too hard with your toothbrush, because it can erode your enamel and lead to receding gums.
- SCHEDULE YEARLY COMPREHENSIVE ORAL HEALTH EXAMS
At your yearly oral health evaluation, your dentist will use digital radiography and other diagnostic technology to look for issues. Early detection of issues can help you prevent bigger issues down the road. In addition, problems that are detected early can usually be addressed with easier, less invasive procedures.
BOOST YOUR ORAL HEALTH TO ELEVATE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Begin paying attention to your teeth and gums and support your general wellbeing. Researchers have evidence that indicates that swelling and redness and germs in your mouth may be harmful to your general health, both now and in the long run. Prioritizing your gums and teeth is a critical part of your general health, so set up an appointment with a dental practitioner in Durham, NC to have an oral health evaluation and dental cleaning. When you need an excellent team of skilled dental professionals who provide preventive care and restorative treatments, call DentalWorks – Durham. We would love to help you and your family maintain gorgeous, healthy teeth at our office in Durham, NC.
