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Your smile is one of the first things people notice. But aesthetics are only a piece of the puzzle when it comes to the importance of good oral health. When you get to the root of the value of a healthy set of teeth, you'll find that your oral health has more far-reaching effects than just an attractive smile. Recent research has shown that poor oral health can devastate other vital systems in your body-- increasing the likelihood of stroke, diabetes, low birth weight babies and cardiovascular disease. This means that the same bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities can actually have a negative impact on your total body health. Healthy Gums for a Healthy Heart According to the Academy of General Dentistry, periodontal (gum) disease may put a person at high risk for heart disease. When your gums are infected, the bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream, infecting your heart and causing narrowing of the arteries. Just as bacteria irritate the gums, the effect of bacteria on the arteries can also cause serious complications including decreased blood flow and arterial plaque accumulation. Arterial buildup that reaches other parts of the body may cause blood clots and significantly increase the risk of stroke. Pregnant? Your Gums are at Risk You may not know it, but if you are pregnant, your pregnancy hormones may be impacting the health of your gums. Women expecting a baby often experience swollen, bleeding and red gums, placing them at higher risk for gum disease. In fact, studies have shown that women with gum disease are up to seven times as likely to have preterm babies as women with healthy gums are. As a result, babies born early are at a greater risk for acquiring lasting developmental problems. Because women are more likely to experience gum disease during pregnancy, it's extremely important to practice good oral hygiene and visit a dentist for regular exams and cleanings. And if you're planning to become pregnant, make sure to include a periodontal examination as an important part of your prenatal care. Control Diabetes, Prevent Gum Disease Just as pregnancy hormones increase the risk of gum disease, a person with insufficient blood sugar control is also placed at a higher risk of gum disease than those who have good management of their diabetes. Not only are diabetics more susceptible to infections, their bodies are also more resistant to infection. With all of that being said, if you are one of the millions of people living with diabetes, good dental health becomes extremely important in order to prevent gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth and other serious infections. Healthy Teeth: Start with the Basics Maintaining a healthy smile isn't difficult. With simple improvements in your oral hygiene, you can help ensure your mouth is healthy for an improved total body health. • Brush at least twice a day- morning and night- to remove plaque that cause decay and gum disease. Use fluoride toothpaste to keep enamel strong and replace your toothbrush as it shows wear.
• Always floss each day to remove plaque buildup in between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach.
• Visit your Omaha dentist for routine cleanings, checkups and x rays. A dentist can remove tartar that leads to gum disease as well as detect any problem areas in your mouth that may require extra attention. As if the importance of taking good care of your teeth and gums wasn't already obvious, understanding the serious implications that the health of your mouth can have on the rest of your body should make practicing exceptional dental care an even more important part of your daily routine. Regular brushing, flossing and checkups with your Omaha dentist can go a long way toward preventing serious health complications and keeping your immune system strong. Not to mention that it can save you money. Research has shown that people who have regular visits to the dentists and maintain good oral health save on average about 60% on overall health care costs! Start taking care of your mouth today. It's an investment well worth it.
Dr. Mark A. Braasch of Braasch Dentistry is a dentist in Omaha, NE. Offering a wide array of general and cosmetic dental care including treatment for sleep apnea, TMJ and migraine therapy in Omaha, this dentist in Omaha is qualified to handle any of your dental needs.
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