Taking care of the smile is an important part in maintaining general health, as it is one of the gateways to the body. Without regular oral care or frequent visits to your dentist, periodontal disease builds up in the smile, increasing the risk for health problems to develop in the body. Many individuals may experience the symptoms of
periodontal disease and not realize it. But knowing the signs of infection can prompt you to seek treatment before infection progresses through the rest of the body.
Periodontal Disease and Your General Health
Bacteria are a natural part of the smile, but their levels need to be maintained with consistent brushing and flossing. Without proper oral care, patients will experience a range of oral health issues, the most serious being gum recession, tooth loss, and jaw bone deterioration. From the mouth, this bacteria can advance to the rest of your body, causing issues for those with the following health conditions:
• Diabetes
• Heart and circulation complication
• Pregnancy
Presence of periodontal disease in the smile can limit the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar properly, increasing the difficulty diabetics have in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, these bacteria increase the chance of blood clots, which is dangerous for those with blood pressure problems. Expecting mothers with periodontal disease have been found to have children born too early or underweight. The importance of routine oral care and dental visits cannot be overstated when general health risks come into play.
Obtaining Comprehensive Health
Visiting your general dentist will not only help you obtain a healthy smile but also protect the body from infection. Additionally, patients can aid their oral health outside the dental office by improving nutrition and daily habits. Fruits, vegetables, and drinking plenty of water aid in regulating bacterial levels, and antioxidants in these natural foods promote healthy gums. Reducing sugar intake, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption will also benefit oral health, for they each contribute to bacterial growth, as well as oral cancers.
The dentist-recommended home care routine includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. Be sure to brush at a 45-degree angle to get the bristles beneath gums, and use a gentle circular motion to polish. When flossing, be sure to push it beneath the gums and use a clean section of floss on each tooth. Taking care of your oral health promotes positive general health and a healthy smile.
Contact Acia Rizvi, DMD for Gentle Health Care
Orion Dental Group treats advanced dental decay and other oral health issues. If it’s been some time since you visited the dentist, or are experiencing oral health issues, please visit or call our Lloydminster practice to receive care.