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Your regular dental exams provide more than a thorough cleaning. Visiting your dentist in Azle and receiving regular treatments allows you to maintain your oral health, as well as your general health. Studies suggest that a variety of secondary health issues can be caused as a result of poor oral hygiene. If you can take care of your teeth and gums, then you can extend your life by years. The medical and dental communities continue to make strides towards accurately documenting the connection between medical conditions, diseases and oral health. What is the Connection? Certain medical conditions of the body have early oral manifestations, making regular dental visits integral in maintaining a healthy oral environment and to control oral infections from the body that can cause tooth caries and periodontal disease. The following is a list of medical conditions and diseases that have an oral-systemic connection: * AIDS
* Autoimmune conditions
* Diabetes
* Heart Disease
* Human Papilloma Virus
* Pancreatic Cancer
* Stroke Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health One of the main connections between oral health and systemic health is with the health of your heart. Chronic gum disease can lead to the development of heart disease because your mouth is the pathway to the rest of your body. Studies show that oral health can provide warning signs for other diseases or conditions, including heart disease and it can be identified through a visit to your dentist. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 80 percent of Americans suffer from gum disease. Signs of gum disease include bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, sores in your mouth, and several other symptoms. By brushing and flossing regularly, in addition to frequent visits to your dentist, you can help to prevent gum disease. Protect Your Mouth and Your Body It is vital to take care of your teeth, gums and oral health because as you age, you might be asked by your dentist to schedule more than the American Dental Association (ADA) recommended two appointments every year. While at home be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. When flossing, be sure to get down under the gum because this is where the bacteria live. Visiting your dentist in Azle regularly helps to keep your mouth in tip-top shape. It also allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues. A regular dental exam can also help detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. While visiting your dentist, be sure to inform them of your complete medical history, as well as any recent health developments, even if they seem unrelated to your oral health. At home, be sure to practice proper oral hygiene: * Brush at least twice a day
* Floss at least once a day
* Eat a healthy diet to provide necessary nutrients
* Avoid smoking cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
* Exercise preventive care and schedule routine dental checkups Take your health into your own hands beginning with maintaining proper oral hygiene. Contact your dentist in Azle today for your routine dental exam. Protect your mouth and you can potentially protect the development of other systemic health issues related to your oral health. Remain on the right track to a healthy smile and body with regular visits to your Azle dentist.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Azle family dentists at Todays Dental, Drs. Frank and Jodie Rubal. Todays Dental is a private practice office with a husband and wife team, making for a unique dental practice. Practicing dental health care in Azle since 1996, Todays Dental, Azle dentist, offers family and cosmetic dentistry including crowns and dentures.
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