General Dental Hygiene and its Effect on Overall Health

Good oral health includes healthy teeth, gums, and fresh breath. Any trouble in your oral structures can signify problems in your overall general health as well. For instance, bleeding gums may indicate a possible blood disorder. Jawbone loss may be an early sign of skeletal osteoporosis. 

Any oral conditions can harm your overall health. Our mouths are full of good bacteria that help break down the foods. Though most oral bacteria are harmless, there are instances wherein they can cause chronic diseases when neglected, especially if they enter into the bloodstream from the mouth. This generally happens if you have severe cavities or gum infections. Thus, maintaining a healthy and disease-free oral cavity becomes even more critical.

The mouth is the passage to the vital organs. An infection or inflammation in the oral cavity can gradually spread to other body areas. Poor dental health can lead to several complications, including:

Swelling in the oral cavity due to gum diseases can increase the possibility of a heart attack or stroke. The harmful bacteria in your mouth may cause inflammation of the arteries.

Diabetic patients should give extra attention to their gums to help manage blood sugar levels. Recurrent or untreated gum disease can make it more difficult for your body to control blood sugar. 

The hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum diseases.  During pregnancy, advanced gum disease has been linked with premature birth and malnourished newborns. Hence it becomes vital for expecting mothers to practice good oral hygiene and prevent significant issues. 

 Alzheimer's disease has a possible link to poor oral health. Dementia and diminished cognitive ability generally lead to severe tooth and gum problems due to inadequate home oral care routine.

Brush your teeth at least twice daily for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Avoid scrubbing too roughly as it can erode your enamel and cause gum recession.

Flossing daily is vital to prevent gum issues. It will help get rid of the plaque and food debris from between your teeth. 

During regular dental checkups, your dental providers will take digital X-Rays and other images to assess your oral health. Early diagnosis can help avoid more severe problems later. Additionally, problems can be cured with quick, non-invasive procedures.

 To improve your oral health, consider preventive treatments. This may include dental sealants, which will keep your molars from developing cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to strengthen your enamel.

Teeth Cleanings

In order to eliminate the plaque and tartar that accumulate on your teeth, you must undertake teeth cleanings once every six months.