Overall and Oral Health are Connected

Taking care of your teeth should be at the top of the list when it comes to your overall health. According to your Corona dentist, oral health could affect your teeth and gums.

 The Link Between Overall and Oral Health

Your dentist in Corona explains that gum disease is the connection. Gum disease is an inflammation of the mouth caused by bacteria. If bacteria are allowed to float into your blood stream, you could be in for some serious problems including heart failure and stroke.

 Good Oral Hygiene is the Key

During a comprehensive dental examination in Corona, your dentist will examine your entire mouth including your tissues, throat, neck, and tongue checking for anything out of the ordinary. If any lumps, bumps or patches are discovered a biopsy may be recommended for further examination.

Because problems are detected in your mouth, your dentist could be the first to discover anything. In fact, early detection leads to a higher survival rate.

 Good Oral Hygiene Tips

Your dentist in Corona explains that good oral hygiene means brushing twice and flossing once each day. You should also use a good antibacterial mouthwash. Good oral hygiene also includes following a healthy diet that is full of fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to include calcium as this helps build strong bones and teeth. Probably the most important oral hygiene tip is regular visits with your Corona dentist.

Your dentist can detect any problems and be able to help you deal with tooth decay and gum disease preventing problems that are more serious in the future. Cavities and gingivitis won’t go away on their own and could result in root canal therapy or root scaling and planing.

If you would like to learn more about the oral and overall health connection, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Corona today.

Signs You Need to See your Dentist

If you haven’t scheduled a checkup with your dentist for some time, you may want to pick up the phone and make an appointment. Below are some indications that could mean a trip to the dentist’s office.

Pain

Any kind of pain in your mouth is an indication that something is not right. If you have a toothache, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Ignoring that nagging pain could make things worse. Cavities do not go away and if left alone could get so bad that a root canal is necessary.

Gum Issues

If your gums are red, swollen and/or bleed when you brush and floss, you may have gum disease. Seeing your dentist as quickly as possible can solve your problem, however, if you ignore it, your gingivitis could develop into the more serious periodontal disease that could lead to tooth loss.

Hidden Grin

Hiding your smile is a sure sign that you are not happy with what you see in the mirror. A chipped or missing tooth or stained teeth can all be helped with a trip to your dentist’s office.

Previous Dental Work

If you have crowns, dental implants, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, fillings or any other type of restorative or cosmetic dentistry it is important to see your dentist regularly to make sure that your mouth stays in good shape.

Medical Issues

If you have eating disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or if you are HIV positive you may be more susceptible to gum disease and other oral issues. See your dentist if you are having chemotherapy, hormone replacement, or radiation as it can affect your oral health.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should never miss regular checkups. Seeing your dentist is important as women who are expecting may suffer from gum disease. Just make sure that you notify your dentist of your pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, see your dentist beforehand.  

Problems Eating

If you are having problems chewing or swallowing your food, it is not normal. Consume liquids and soft food and get to the dentist as quickly as possible.

Jaw Pain

You could have a problem if your jaw pops when you open and close your mouth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as you could have a TMJ disorder or an uneven bite.

Sores and Spots

A doctor or dentist should look at white patches, cold sores, canker sores and other problems that last longer than a week, as mouth sores could be an indication of something more serious.

If you have any of the above issues, or can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist, call, or click and schedule an appointment today. 

Good Oral Hygiene can Prevent Disease

Most people are aware that poor oral hygiene can lead to dental caries and gum disease, but what most don’t know about is the mouth and body connection. Not practicing good oral hygiene causes more than bad breath and can lead to some serious health issues.

According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers from NYU, or the New York University, found a direct link between Alzheimer’s disease and gum inflammation. Although there were only 152 participants in the study that took place in a 20-year period in Denmark, it was discovered that low cognitive function was related to people who suffered from gum inflammation. The bacterium, porphyromonas gingivalis, was present in those who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, but not in those who didn’t. In a recent study, it was also discovered that gum disease bacteria could move from the gums to the brain either from the nerves that connect from the roots of the teeth to the brain or through the blood. In other words, if you have gums that bleed, the bacteria will enter your blood stream every time you brush, floss or eat.  

Pancreatic cancer has also being linked to periodontal disease thanks to a study conducted at Harvard. What the health researchers discovered was that men, who had recent tooth loss, were more susceptible to pancreatic cancer. It was also suggested that there is a direct link between carcinogens caused by gum disease and pancreatic cancer.  Although this theory is still being researched, it is just another reason to practice good oral hygiene that includes regular checkups with your dentist.

Your mouth is loaded with bacteria, which could lead to heart disease. People who do not brush and floss regularly could be at risk of heart disease. Because the bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream, it can interrupt the blood flow to your heart increasing your risk of blood clots and heart attacks.

Other health conditions that can occur because of poor oral hygiene include endocarditis, an infection of your hearts inner lining, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and HIV/AIDS. Women who are pregnant and suffer from gum disease are also more likely to give birth prematurely or have low weight babies.

The best way to have a healthy mouth and body connection is to practice good oral hygiene habits that include brushing twice and flossing once each day, eating a healthy diet and seeing your dentist at least twice a year. Schedule your dental appointment today.

Make a Dental Checkup part of Your New Year's Resolution

If you have a habit of making New Year’s resolutions, be sure that you put healthier teeth and gums on your list. Your teeth and gums are the gateway to the rest of your body, and if you haven’t had a dental checkup for a while, make an appointment today.

Seeing your dentist twice a year is imperative if you want to keep tooth decay and gum disease in check. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular dental appointments are just as important as brushing twice and flossing once a day when it comes to preventive dental care.

During your comprehensive dental examination, your dentist, or dental hygienist, will clean your teeth while evaluating your gums looking for bone loss, swelling or inflammation and redness. Your dentist may also use a probe to gently poke your gums. If bleeding is present, your dentist may recommend scaling and planing or refer you to a specialist, also known as a periodontist.

Other evaluations that will be included during your dental examination include a check of your mouth, neck and face for abnormalities. Your dentist will also evaluate your risk for tooth decay and other oral health issues. X-rays will also be taken so that your dentist can check for problems with dental restorations, such as cavities underneath existing fillings and crowns and other problems that cannot be seen during a visual dental examination.  

Your dentist will talk to you about your oral hygiene habits and your diet. What you eat and drink is just as important as brushing and flossing when it comes to your teeth and gums. If signs of gum disease are present, your dentist may also show you how to brush and floss properly. During this part of your comprehensive dental examination, your dentist will ask about any medications that you may be taking. Smoking, tooth loss consequences, and the benefits of dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and implants will also be discussed.

Take stock of your health this year and include a comprehensive dental examination on your New Year’s resolution list.