Improving Your Oral Health
While many of us know the drill: brush, floss, go to the dentist, and repeat, we don't take our dental health as seriously as we should. The condition of your mouth, teeth, and gums can often indicate early signs of disease and can also affect your general health.
In addition to managing your overall well-being, you should prioritize your oral health as well. Our dentist at ProHEALTH Dental have some tips to help you get started on the path to better dental care:
Recognizing the Link Between Overall Health & Oral Health
Numerous scientific studies have shown that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with gum disease can worsen or cause conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer's.
Medical Conditions Leading to Oral Health Concerns
Many people are unaware of the connection between poor oral health and chronic diseases. Certain medical conditions can lower your body's resistance to infection — making people more susceptible to severe oral health problems. The following conditions have been known to cause more severe oral health issues:
- Diabetes.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Osteoporosis.
In addition to these medical conditions impacting your oral health, certain medications used to treat diseases can reduce saliva flow. This lowers your ability to wash away bacteria and prevent disease.
Common Medical Conditions Linked to Your Mouth
Your oral health could also be responsible for increasing your risks of these diseases and conditions:
- Endocarditis.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Pneumonia.
Tips to Improve Your Oral Health
Here are some ways to protect the health of your teeth and gums:
1. Learn About Your Family History
Many health conditions could run in your family, and knowing your history is essential to take proper care of your oral health. Patients with a predisposition to certain health conditions must keep a close eye on their oral health as well.
2. Create an At-Home Routine
Taking care of your teeth at home helps ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and clean. Here are some tips for keeping up a healthy routine at home:
- Eat teeth-friendly foods.
- Avoid harmful dental habits (such as nail-biting and poor hygiene).
- Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day.
- Floss regularly.
How Drinking Water Supports Your Oral Health
Staying hydrated is essential for your entire body — even your oral health. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t forget to drink those eight glasses of water per day:
- Strengthens your teeth and enamel.
- Prevents gingivitis.
- Keeps your mouth clean.
- Fights off dry mouth.
3. Know the Signs of Additional Dental Care
If you fail to keep up with your dental health routine, you risk developing further oral concerns that will need more than just a cleaning, such as a root canal to repair a tooth that’s decayed.
Learn more about the additional dental health services we offer to help support the health of your teeth and gums.
4. Start Early
To set your child up for success, you should help them manage their dental health from a young age. Many of the dental problems children face, are the same ones that affect adults — however — your child’s teeth are still developing.
This means that dental conditions can cause poor tooth development, leading to more serious issues as they grow up. Here are some conditions to be on the lookout for:
- Tooth decay.
- Sensitive teeth & gums.
- Bad breath.
- Thumb-sucking.
- Teeth grinding.
- Canker sores.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 this past year, many have put off their routine health check-ups like dental visits due to fear and concern over safety protocols.
One of the most vital parts of your dental health care is going to the dentist regularly. This includes receiving routine x-rays, exams, and cleanings. Preventative dental care can also help detect minor issues early on before they become more severe.
Caring For Your Health at ProHEALTH Dental
At ProHEALTH Dental, our goal is to promote this connection and provide proper oral health care as an integral step towards improved overall health while helping people of all ages live healthier lives.
To assist us in fulfilling this mission, we have developed Clinical Affiliations with key health care organizations that collectively serve over 3 million patients and academic institutions, all of which understand the importance of medicine and dentistry working together.
Learn more about our affiliations and book your next appointment online today.