subject: Find The Balance Between Oral Health And Overall Health [print this page] Find The Balance Between Oral Health And Overall Health
There are over 120 medical conditions that can be detected in their early stages by your dentist. Some of these medical conditions may include thyroid problems, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep and breathing disorders, bruxism, anorexia and upper respiratory problems. If you do not take care of your teeth and gums, your lack of oral hygiene can lead to a range of health problems. Regular visits to your Boynton Beach dentist can do more than leave you with a sparkling, healthy smile. Research suggests that the health of your mouth directly relates to the condition of your body as a whole. If your oral health is poor, then you may have other health problems as well. Gum DiseaseGum disease has been recently linked to systemic and inflammatory diseases including heart attacks and strokes, osteoarthritis, diabetes, cancers, and lung diseases. These complications mean that your oral health care needs to be re-evaluated to protect the rest of your body. Periodontal disease is caused by food particles and plaque, the sticky, colorless film that adheres to your teeth. Since gum disease is usually painless and slow to progress, periodontal disease can easily reach an advanced stage, resulting in deterioration of gums and bone structure, leading to the end result of tooth loss. Diabetes and Oral HealthStudies indicate that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease. Diabetics who receive proper dental care and control their insulin stand a better chance of avoiding gum disease than those who don't follow proper care guidelines. Weight loss and exercise can go a long way to prevent or manage diabetes and your oral health. You should always maintain proper dental health in order to further prevent mouth infections. To keep teeth and gums strong, diabetic patients should be aware of their blood sugar levels and have their triglyceride and cholesterol levels checked regularly because they can have a direct correlation in the chances of developing periodontal disease. What Can You Do?Taking your dental health seriously is vital to not only your oral health, but your overall health. Regular dental screenings are essential to maintaining overall health in several cases. Visiting your dentist helps to keep your mouth happy and healthy, allowing your dentist to watch out for any developments that may trigger other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. Brushing and flossing are important parts of your daily routine. Some other preventative measures include but are not limited to: Reduce or eliminate sugars and starches altogether from your diet, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean once a day between your teeth with floss. Keep your teeth and gums strong by keeping track of blood sugar levels. Treat dental infections immediately. Provide your medical and oral health histories to both your medical and dental care providers.With research expanding on the link between your oral health and overall health, it is more important than ever to take extra precautions in regards to the maintenance of your teeth and gums. Visit your Boynton Beach dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to prevent any further complications. A happy smile is a healthy body.
