Cosmetics & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas in Irving, Texas, believes in the importance of dental hygiene and spreading our good thoughts. Dental hygiene is an everyday thing that is done not just by a dental professional but also at home. Regular dental visits do more than keep your smile attractive, they also tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be at risk for chronic disease. The health of your mouth reflects the condition of your body as a whole.
Good oral health may actually prevent certain diseases from occurring. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between gum disease and health complications such as a stroke and heart disease. Women with gum disease have shown a higher incidence of pre-term and low birth-weight babies. Other research has shown that more than 90% of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems. Such diseases include:
- Diabetes
- If you have diabetes, you’re already at increased risk of developing gum disease. But chronic gum disease may, in fact, make diabetes more difficult to control, as well. Infection may cause insulin resistance, which disrupts blood sugar control
- Leukemia
- Oral cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Endocarditis
- An infection of the inner lining of your heart, endocardium.
- Typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart.
- HIV/AIDS
- Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions.
- Osteoporosis
- Causes bones to become weak and brittle, may be linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Dr.ugs such as bisphosphonates.
- Alzheimer’s
- Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease advancements.
For some people have regular oral examinations, their dentist may be the first health care provider to diagnose a health problem. When you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, your poor oral hygiene can lead to other health problems, including:
- Oral and facial pain,
- Problems with the heart and other major organs,
- And digestion problems.
A dental exam can detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. At home, you can practice good oral hygiene by:
- Brush twice or thrice a dayfor at least two minutes, using fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss dailyto remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
- Eat a healthy dietto provide the nutrients necessary to prevent gum disease.
- Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
- Visit the dentist regularlyfor cleanings and exams.
Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Researchers are also discovering new reasons to brush and floss. A healthy mouth may help you ward off medical disorders. Your mouth is an infection source! Plaque can build up along your gum line, allowing bacteria to accumulate in the space between your gums and your teeth, leading to gingivitis. The most severe form of gum infection is called acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, also known as trench mouth. Contact us today at Cosmetics & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas in Irving, Texas for your dental needs.
