Most people understand the importance of regular medical screenings to prevent various illnesses, but many do not realize the relationship between oral health and general health. Routine dental care is an essential preventative measure necessary to ensure good health.
Gingivitis and periodontal disease can cause infections that lead to tooth loss, jawbone loss, bite changes, and other complications. In addition, research exploring the link between oral and overall health proposes various ways that oral bacteria can impact other body systems negatively. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream via channels originating in the mouth and set off inflammatory responses throughout the body. Complications associated with the spread of oral bacteria include:
Some researchers theorize that oral bacteria in the bloodstream can elevate C reactive protein, a plasma protein produced in the liver. High CRP levels are commonly associated with blood vessel inflammation that may put someone at higher risk for heart attack or stroke. Recent studies propose links between elevated CRP and other diseases, including autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and cancer.
Maintaining a healthy mouth involves preventative measures that have wide-reaching benefits throughout the body. A beneficial oral care regimen includes several vital steps.
Dental professionals recommend brushing twice daily and flossing at least once per day to help control oral bacteria accumulation that often leads to tooth decay and gum disease. A soft-bristled brush protects delicate tooth enamel. Many dentists advise patients to use a non-alcoholic oral disinfecting rinse once or twice daily to provide additional protection against bacteria.
A rigorous home-care routine is an excellent starting point for achieving good oral health, but it is not a substitute for an in-depth cleaning at a dental office. Hardened tartar and plaque that are difficult to reach below the gum line require removal with special instruments, which a dental hygienist has the appropriate training to use. Most people benefit from two annual cleanings in a dental office, though anyone with a predisposition for gum disease can consider more frequent cleanings.
A dentist may use several methods to examine the mouth for irregularities or signs of dental disease. For example, X-rays allow a dentist to see teeth roots' condition and the earliest signs of bone loss, cavities, and various otherwise invisible irregularities.
As well, the mouth's condition frequently provides clues about general health, even when other symptoms are not apparent. Palpation of the jawline and cheeks with the fingers can detect tumors. A dentist who notices excessive dryness or thrush can steer a patient to seek medical care leading to diagnoses of multiple conditions, including diabetes, Sjogren's disease, or Parkinson's disease.
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Routine dental care is vital for preserving natural teeth and oral health. It can also prevent or contain the spread of harmful oral bacteria, which can negatively impact other body systems, and allow for the discovery and treatment of illnesses with early symptoms manifesting in the mouth.
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