Your oral health offers clues about your overall health and wellness. Many people don’t realize that oral problems can tell your dentist and your doctors a lot about your overall health. There are many oral health problems that can affect your entire body. Learning how oral health is connected to the entire body's health is a key factor when determining if there may be an issue or not. It's also important to be aware of the signs of oral health issues.
What’s the connection between one's overall health and one's oral health?
The mouth is filled with bacteria, but most of them are harmless. Good oral healthcare along with the body’s natural defenses can keep the bacteria under control, but if good oral hygiene is not practiced, then the bacteria can increase and have negative effects. These negative effects end up contributing to gum disease, infections, and tooth decay. By being aware of the warning signs of oral health issues, it can be beneficial in catching problems before they advance.
There are a few basic warning signs of oral health issues that should be watched for. Schedule an appointment with the dentist right away, if any of the signs below are affecting you:
· Sudden tooth sensitivity to either hot or cold temperatures, foods, and beverages
· Tender spots, sores, or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal after a week or so
· Gums that are either swollen and/or bleeding after brushing or flossing
· Pain or a toothache, especially after chewing or biting
· Swelling of the cheek, face, or mouth
If any of these symptoms are accompanied by facial or neck swelling and a high fever, emergency medical care is absolutely necessary.
Just like with any other medical issue that the body might encounter, there are several causes of oral health issues, but some are more common. The mouth collects all sorts of fungi, viruses, and bacteria. While some of them belong there and aren’t harmful in the smaller quantities, there are some situations that make them flourish and thrive.
As an example, a diet high in sugar consumption can create conditions for the flourishment of acid-producing bacteria. The acid will dissolve the enamel off the tooth and can result in cavities. Bacteria near the gum line of the teeth will cause plaque, which will accumulate, harden, and migrate down into the tooth if it isn't removed immediately from flossing or brushing.
There are some oral health issues that are more common, with gum disease being one of them. Increased inflammation will cause the gum line to pull away from the teeth, developing pockets of pus. This is an advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. When plaque accumulates along the gum line and it starts migrating down into the tooth because of a lack of dental care, it will result in gingivitis, which involves gums that are inflamed. If gum disease is suspected, or if there are symptoms that are indicators of oral health issues, then visiting the dentist is crucial.
Request a dental appointment here: https://carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 575-6101 for an appointment in our Carmel dental office.
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