Important hints about other health conditions can be found in your teeth and gums. Poor dental health has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, preterm birth, and osteoporosis. Visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year if you want to keep your smile and overall health in good shape.
In addition to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, routine dental checkups enable your dentist to watch for changes that could indicate potential health issues, such as oral cancer.
If your oral health changes, including any recent diseases or ongoing conditions, let your dentist know, even if you think they have nothing to do with your mouth. Give him or her a current list of all the drugs you are taking, both prescription and nonprescription. Finally, be sure to adhere to your dentist’s advice, including any home care instructions. You can maintain a better mouth and overall health by regularly brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist. Make sure you go to a dentist in your locality like Richmond dentist.
Did you know that the bacteria in dental plaque, which forms on your teeth, can harm your heart and lungs among other organs? Both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, and bacterial endocarditis, a potentially lethal disorder in which the lining of the heart and heart valves enlarges, are connected to plaque. People who have periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease.
Additionally, a higher risk of stroke in persons with partial or complete tooth loss owing to periodontal disease. It’s crucial to take proper care of your gums because there is a strong correlation between healthy gums and a healthy heart. Plaque accumulation is the root cause of gum disease. Gums that are bleeding or bulging, foul smell, oral ulcers, and receding gums are some early indications of gum disease. By brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist every six months, you can prevent plaque buildup. Get in touch with your dentist straight once if you observe any gum disease symptoms.
There seems to be a connection between a person’s dental health and bone health. The condition osteoporosis weakens bones and raises the risk of fractures. As bone mass declines and bone tissues degenerate, bones become more brittle. People may become more susceptible to fractures as a result, particularly hip, spine, and wrist fractures.
It is also suggested that there may be a link between jaw bone loss and osteoporosis. Because the jaw bone density that supports the teeth may be reduced as a result of osteoporosis, teeth may no longer have a sturdy foundation.
By weakening the jaw, osteoporosis may reduce a person’s ability to fight off microorganisms that harm the gums and cause periodontal disease. The good news is that most people can avoid developing osteoporosis. Everyone, but especially women, should practice good oral hygiene at home and visit the dentist regularly. It’s also important to consume the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D, engage in regular exercise, abstain from smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.