Dental health plays a major role in overall health. Taking steps to prevent major problems such as tooth decay, tooth loss and red or swollen gums helps to reduce the occurrence of medical conditions that affects other areas of the body. Just as every person is different, so are their individual dental health needs.
Diet and Dental Health
Diet plays an important role in oral health. Consuming non-nutritious foods that are high in sugar and empty calories are one of the leading causes in tooth decay, gum disease and obesity. According to the American Dental Association, after 20 minutes, when the sugar comes into contact with the bacteria in the mouth the person is at an increased risk for tooth decay. The lack of proper nutrition also weakens the immune system’s ability to resist infection in the gums.
Drinking water instead of soda or sweetened-fruit drinks helps to flush the sugar and food particles that lodges between the teeth and gums.
Proper Dental Care
In an effort to cut back diseases such as periodontal diseases, gingivitis and diabetes, the American Dental Association recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Along with brushing twice a day, flossing to remove the film of bacteria that’s under the teeth and in between the gums boosts the overall dental health.
Reducing the number of in-between meal snacks helps to reduce the amount of bacteria and sugar that’s introduced into the mouth. The extra saliva produced while eating complete meals helps to wash away a larger amount of sugar. In addition to a healthy daily diet, the dentist recommends a dental cleaning and check-up every 6 months. From the dentist perspective, regular dentist visits are the only way to ensure that problems such as cavities are prevented or caught early. Continuous visits also help the dental care provider to create a treatment plan for problems such as misaligned teeth, an overbite, an under bite and crowded teeth.
Dental Health and General Health
When left untreated, dental disease can lead to more serious problems such as heart disease and diabetes. In a study conducted by the Harvard Medical School, some of the same species of bacteria that is a leading cause in periodontitis have been found in atherosclerotic plaque. Although this type of plaque is generally found in the heart’s arteries, it’s also found in other body parts. Atherosclerotic plaque is considered the leading cause of heart attacks.
