Link Between Oral Health & Overall Health
September 28, 2020 7:28 pmIf you thought that your oral health only impacted your smile, think again! In this blog post, we’ve put together some information about the link between oral health and overall health.
Oral Cavity Flora
Your mouth is chock full of oral bacteria. Some oral bacteria are beneficial, while other bacteria can be harmful. Without proper oral hygiene, oral bacteria can lead to tooth decay, gum infection, and other problems.
In some cases, the bacteria and infection in your mouth can spread to other parts of your body. For example, mouth bacteria can contribute to respiratory infections and pneumonia, or travel into your bloodstream to your heart, leading to heart disease or endocarditis. Recent studies also suggest an association between the bacteria that cause gum disease and the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Certain Health Conditions Can Impact Your Oral Health
Some health conditions make you more susceptible to oral health problems. Diabetes reduces the body’s ability to fight infection, which can increase your risk for gum disease. Osteoporosis is linked to bone loss and tooth loss. Even medications used to treat certain conditions can negatively impact your oral health by causing dry mouth.
How Can I Care for My Oral Health?
If you are living with a chronic health condition, you can still have a healthy mouth. It will require some extra effort, but we guarantee you that a healthy smile is worth the work!
First, maintain a superb oral hygiene routine at home. Gently brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Be sure you’re using a soft-bristled manual toothbrush or high-quality electric toothbrush. Firm bristles and vigorous brushing can damage your tooth enamel. In addition, floss at least once every day to remove those pesky food particles that get trapped between teeth and under your gumline.
Some patients benefit from routinely rinsing with a mouthwash, whether that be an alcohol-free antibacterial rinse, a fluoride rinse, or an oral rinse for dry mouth. Consult with our team which mouthwash is right for you!
We also recommend consuming a balanced diet low in sugar; drinking plenty of water; avoiding tobacco products; and visiting Dental Salon for biannual cleanings and checkups.
Personalized Oral Healthcare at Dental Salon in Cedar Park, TX
At Dental Salon, Dr. Torres is experienced at working with patients who have underlying health conditions or unique oral health concerns. Instead of practicing one-size-fits-all dentistry, we treat each of our patients as an individual and come up with a plan that fits your personal needs.
To ask our team any questions about our comprehensive services or to schedule your next appointment at Dental Salon, contact us today!
This post was written by Dental Salon
