Would you be surprised to learn that oral hygiene can impact your health beyond your teeth and gums? Many individuals are surprised when they discover that they have certain health conditions especially if they are keen to go to routine appointments with their primary care physicians. There are a number of conditions that have been linked to poor oral health. Poor oral health does not always cause toothaches and decay may or may not be evident. For example, some cavities are not dark in color. This means that the only way a person might discover they have translucent cavities is by routinely going to a dental office for exams. The following points identify how routine dental services and good oral hygiene can help protect your overall health.
Diabetes
Many people focus on their teeth when they think about their oral health. Gum health is important too. Healthy gums are necessary to support teeth. Individuals who have poor oral hygiene may develop gingivitis, which can develop into gum disease. This issue can elevate blood sugar levels, which can result in individuals developing Type 2 diabetes. Individuals who have a genetic predisposition to develop diabetes may place themselves at an even higher risk if they have poor oral hygiene.
Heart Disease
Most adult individuals have heard the terms plaque and tartar. Plaque can be removed at home by means of brushing and flossing. Tartar is hardened plaque and must be removed at a dental office. If tartar is not removed, bacteria will flourish, and they may enter the bloodstream. The presence of plaque and tartar due to poor dental hygiene can lead to plaque buildup in arteries. This can put individuals at risk for heart disease and stroke.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a type of high blood pressure that is unique because the diagnosis is only given to pregnant women. Most of these women do not have high blood pressure issues prior to their pregnancies. This condition is serious and life-threatening. It can cause some women to have premature labor. It can also lead to gum disease. Dental services should not be avoided during pregnancy. Dental cleanings and other services can aid in curbing issues such as gum disease and detecting issues that place women at risk. Some women mistakenly think that they should not get X-rays during pregnancy. However, dentists have special techniques to safely X-ray and provide other services to pregnant women.
A dentist is a good resource to use to learn more about how your oral health impacts your overall physical health. The risks do not necessarily mean that everyone with bad hygiene will develop a health condition. However, it is useful to reduce one's chances of developing health conditions that have been linked to poor oral hygiene. Contact a local dental office to learn more.
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