Overstating the importance of dental health is impossible. The state of a person's mouth is directly linked to their overall well-being. The mouth is just another part of the body, so keeping it healthy promotes good health in other areas.
Here are five reasons why making oral health a priority is essential:
People dealing with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. According to the American Dental Association, people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have a fatal heart attack as those with healthy gums.
Gum disease is often caused by extended exposure of the gums to bacteria. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body, leading to cardiovascular issues. This inflammation is also responsible for the increased risk of heart disease. A good dentist will ask questions about a patient's medical and family history as it relates to heart disease when gum disease is detected.
Having good oral hygiene becomes even more critical when a patient is pregnant. Women with poor oral health are more likely to have pre-term deliveries and low birth weight infants.
Children being born with less than average weights or prematurely tend to have a higher risk of developmental problems and complications like asthma, behavioral difficulties, and ear infections. Pregnant women should make their oral health a priority to avoid this.
People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. Conversely, those with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes. Since gum disease is an infection, it limits the body's ability to process glucose in the bloodstream. The body's natural reaction to the bacteria that causes gum diseases can also increase insulin resistance, thus increasing the person's blood sugar levels.
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of oral hygiene, and this also gives dentists an opportunity to detect severe issues like oral cancer in their early stages. A precancerous lesion is often hard to identify since it does not come with any symptoms. However, dentists have lots of specialized training and tools that help them to detect even the tiniest lesions in the patient's mouth.
Oral cancer is entirely treatable in its early stages, but only about 50 percent of people diagnosed with it live longer than five years due to the tumor not being detected early on.
Brushing the teeth sends a signal to a person's brain that mealtime is over. That can be helpful to those who have difficulty practicing portion control. Brushing keeps the mouth clean and fresh, but it also reduces the person's appetite, mainly when a minty toothpaste is used. That is one of the reasons why it is so rare to find people who enjoy eating immediately after brushing.
Want to learn more about oral hygiene? Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today!
Call (818) 483-9071 today to reach Clarisse Atakhanian DDS Inc..
When picking a toothbrush and toothpaste, there are many things that should be considered. Some people might even find themselves wondering if using a toothbrush with toothpaste does much more than other alternatives.The reality is: Toothpaste is an essential part of good oral hygiene. A quality toothpaste does a better job than other alternatives, like…
Poor oral hygiene manifests in a number of different forms. From bleeding or swelling gums to toothaches, growths in the mouth and alterations to the tongue's surface, poor oral hygiene has plenty of forms. Some patients exhibit several common indications of poor oral hygiene. Here is a look at some of the most common signs…
If you have a cavity, you are likely wondering whether it needs to be tended to right away, whether it will get worse, if it will stagnate or possibly even improve the condition. A cavity is a tiny hole in the tooth that gradually expands as time progresses. This form of decay occurs when acid…
If you are currently suffering from having sensitive teeth, know that you are definitely not alone. Many dental patients claim they experience tooth sensitivity at least one time in their lives, with much more claiming that they experience it often. The term sensitive may seem like an understatement if your tooth sensitivity involves pain. Most…
Clear braces are transparent, which allows for a more discreet treatment process than with traditional metal braces. Many have heard about clear braces, but it is helpful to understand more about what they are exactly and who they are the most ideal for before deciding whether treatment is right for you.The more informed you are…
A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more teeth and want to enhance your oral health and self-esteem. The dental bridge can restore your smile’s appearance and allow you to chew normally once more. If you are considering this treatment, this article outlines all the steps involved so…