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Oral health is more than just an attractive smile, it is essential to maintaining a healthy life. In many cases, your overall health is mirrored by the condition of your mouth. Visiting your dentist every six months can help identify diseases in their earliest stages, where treatment has a higher success rate. A regular dental exam allows your dentist to keep your mouth healthy and to watch for developments that may point to problems in other parts of your body. Your dental exam can also pick up on poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. A healthy mouth can help you fight off medical disorders such as heart attacks, stroke, diabetes and more. If you understand the importance of your oral health, you can recognize its connection to your total body health. Asthma and Your Oral Health According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), approximately 20 million Americans have asthma with more dentists seeing asthmatic patients taking medications that can lead to an increase in cavities, bad breath and gum problems. Some tips for asthmatic patients include: * Inform your dentist of your condition
* Explain if your asthma is controlled
* Inform your dentist of all asthma and other medications
* After inhaler use, rinse your mouth with water
* Ask your dentist about dental sealants
* Be attentive about brushing and flossing Adults and children with asthma tend to be mouth breathers, which when combined with asthma medications causes a decrease in the saliva flow, creating dry mouth. Without saliva's cleansing effects, asthma patients have a higher risk for increased cavities and bad breath. If you are not vigilant about brushing and flossing, your gums can become inflamed, which often leads to gum disease. 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 you can potentially protect the development of other systemic health issues related to your oral health. Maintain regular dental visits with your Houston dentist and you can remain on the right track to a healthy smile and body.
Sean Hartmen writes for Drs. Hammond and Thompson, leading Katy dentists. Offering a wide range of services including veneers and implants in Houston, Drs. Hammond and Thompson are qualified to handle any dental need for patients of all ages. The dentistry also serves patients in Memorial and Katy in Texas.
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