Is your oral health just about having nice looking teeth, fresh breath and cavities filled? Your dentist in Harker Heights says the implications reach much further. As you continue reading, you’ll learn about the connection between your oral health and total wellness. In addition, you’ll discover how preventive care visits to your local dentist can benefit you all around!
How Your Oral and Overall Health are Connected
The mouth is considered as the window to the rest of the body’s health. That’s because if oral bacteria are allowed to grow uncontrollably, then the shock waves can be felt in other parts of the body.
The domino effect centers, primarily, around the health of the gums. As bacteria accumulate, they can form plaque, a sticky, clear substance that clings to the teeth and can eventually work its way beneath the gum line. Over time, germ pockets can form that lead to the development of gum disease.
This condition, untreated, has been found to be linked to several life-threatening ailments.
Health Threats of Excessive Bacteria Growth
Bacteria are uber-resilient; therefore, they won’t stop moving and causing damage until they’re eradicated. Here are some of the serious issues that can arise from ignoring gum disease:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Oral Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Complications with Diabetes
As the old axiom states, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than 10 pounds of cure.” By taking heed to these wise words and visiting your dentist for preventive care, you can better offset these difficulties.
How to Prevent Acute Bacteria Growth
With a greater awareness of the connection between your oral and overall health, the next step is to take action. It doesn’t require anything complicated, which is welcomed news. Instead, consistent and proper effort are two of your chief allies.
You can start by monitoring your food and beverage intake. The prime choice of sustenance for bacteria is sugar. Thus, by limiting your intake of it, you can somewhat starve the microorganisms of what they desire most. One strategy to consider if you enjoy eating sweet items is to substitute fruits for candy and desserts.
It’s critical for you to practice excellent oral hygiene, which should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day to remove bacteria that can rapidly accumulate. As an added benefit, this is also a way to protect your smile from stains and to maintain fresh breath.
The final piece of the puzzle is to visit your dentist for preventive care every six months. At these appointments, you’ll receive cleanings and examinations that aim to remove the threat of plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist will also be able to spot any problems before they can take root. To get the “ball rolling,” schedule your first preventive care visit today!
About the Author
Dr. Melinda Duncan is a graduate of The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. To aid her in providing the best dental care possible, she maintains professional affiliation with the Academy of General Dentistry and The Women of Austin Dental Society. Dr. Duncan provides the best in preventive and comprehensive care at Market Heights Family Dental, and she can be reached for more information through her website.