The Link Between Oral Health and Medical Illness

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Oral Health

You probably already know that good oral hygiene is essential for your teeth, but did you know that it’s also vital for your heart, brain, and body as a whole? If you have an infection in your mouth, you may be at greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as difficulties during pregnancy.

For many years, healthcare practitioners, including some of the best orthodontists in North America, knew that oral infections were linked to medical illnesses but assumed this was due to the spread of germs from the mouth to other regions of the human body. Researchers have shown that inflammation in periodontal disease, or gum disease, may have a more specific role in creating or raising the risk of certain illnesses.

The Link between Your Oral Health and Overall Health

Here are some of the most significant consequences of poor oral hygiene:

Heart Disease

According to studies, periodontitis, a gum infection, has been linked to heart disease (atherogenesis), a disorder in which plaque builds up in the arteries. Gum disease increases a person’s risk of heart disease by nearly twofold.

Diabetes

Researchers have revealed that periodontal disease can contribute to pre-diabetes, a condition when blood glucose levels are elevated. Periodontitis therapy may lessen oxidative stress, an illness in which the antioxidant levels (substances that protect your body’s cells) are lower than normal in patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontitis.

Stroke

You may be at greater risk of having a stroke if you have significant bone and tissue loss around your teeth or lost all of your teeth. Severe periodontitis has been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder. Dementia-causing Alzheimer’s disease affects more than five million people in the United States today. According to experts, inflammation, especially chronic periodontal disease encountered early in life, increases (4 times) your chance of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease. The hypothesis is still under investigation by scientists. If the findings are accurate, gum disease might be a preventative risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Mental Health Problems

It’s not new that stress can hurt your health. However, according to recent studies, Gum disease has now been linked to a wide range of mental health issues, including stress, despair, anxiety, and loneliness. A rise in the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to periodontal disease development, is a possibility with any of these disorders.

Best Practices For Healthy Teeth

To maintain healthy teeth and gums, it is essential to practice good dental hygiene. Dentists and patients benefit from regular dental cleanings at home and in the clinic. Here are some of the best practices to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

See the Dentist Regularly

You should see the dentist if you notice any changes in your dental health. A dental checkup is recommended by experts every six months. As part of the typical inspection, the teeth will be cleaned, and tartar will be removed.

Dental X-rays may also be used to detect cavities. Dentists can advise their patients on how often they should get their teeth cleaned. This depends on a person’s general oral health and his or her medical history. Anyone who discovers changes in their mouth should, of course, see a dentist or orthodontist. When you want to find the best orthodontist in North America, it is important to do your research. You need to find one that will be able to provide you with the best possible care.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

People know that brushing their teeth twice a day is one of the most crucial habits to eliminate plaque and germs, keep their teeth clean and keep general oral health. The front, back, and top of each tooth should be brushed in small gentle circular strokes. Also, note that using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too vigorously can harm teeth and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends soft bristle toothbrushes for brushing.

Make Use of Fluoride

Fluorine is a naturally occurring element in the Earth’s soil which is the source of Fluoride. A prominent ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash is Fluoride, which many experts believe helps prevent cavities. Hence, Fluoride may be found in several dental products. Fluoride deficiency can contribute to tooth decay, even if a person is diligent about brushing and flossing their teeth.

Reduce Intake Of Sugary And Starchy Meals

Cavities can be caused by a diet high in sugar. As recent research shows, sugar’s impact on poor tooth health is well-documented. Candy and sweets are two of the most obvious offenders, but sugar is also included in a wide range of processed meals. In addition to crackers, bread, chips, and pasta, experts say that starchy meals such as chips and bread can lead to dental disease.

Foods that remain in the mouth for a long time break down into simple sugars, which acid-producing bacteria may feed on. Dental decay may be a result of this acid. Carbohydrates high in fiber, including fruits and vegetables, and dairy products without added sugar are recommended by the ADA instead of starchy foods.

Choose Water over Sugary Beverages

The primary source of extra sugars in the diet is sugar-sweetened drinks in the usual diet of Americans. If you drink a lot of sugary beverages, you run the risk of getting cavities. Only drinking sugar-sweetened drinks at mealtimes and in limited amounts is recommended by the American Dental Association.

Avoid Smoking

When you smoke, you weaken your body’s ability to repair itself, including your mouth’s tissues. According to the CDC and the American Dental Association (ADA), smoking is a risk factor for gum disease. Smokers have a lesser chance of recovering fast after a dental operation. Smoking also has an impact on the mouth’s appearance, causing tooth and tongue discoloration and a foul breath odor.

Conclusion

If you take good care of your teeth, see the dentist regularly, and treat your teeth if they get infected, you can lower your chance of having a major medical condition. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential even if you’ve already been diagnosed with one of these conditions to prevent it from getting worse.

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