General Dentistry: A Dentist Explains How Oral Hygiene is Important For Your Health

General Dentist East Brunswick, NJ

General dentistry is about more than keeping your teeth looking good. Oral health has a strong connection to your overall health, both affecting each other in turn because your mouth connects the outside environment to the inside of your body. As a result, practicing oral hygiene — or failing to do so — is a major factor in your wellbeing.

The link between oral health and overall health

Your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and from there to the rest of your body. It also naturally hosts a substantial population of bacteria, providing a moist, warm and nutrient-rich environment. Fortunately, these microorganisms are mostly harmless, owing in part to saliva and gingival fluid carrying antimicrobial agents and white blood cells, respectively. Effective dental care combined with these natural defenses keeps your mouth healthy.

Neglecting oral hygiene and general dentistry, however, allows microorganisms to proliferate to an unhealthy level and promotes gum disease and tooth decay. This exposes another entry point to your body: the numerous blood vessels within your teeth and gums. From there, bacteria — both invasive species as well as the normally harmless ones — can enter the bloodstream and circulate through your body. Several disorders arise or are aggravated, by this, including:

Cardiovascular disease

Introduced to the bloodstream, oral bacteria can form plaque inside arteries and cause them to harden, a condition called atherosclerosis. This restricts blood flow, induces hypertension, and increases the risks of heart attack, stroke, or aneurysms.

Endocarditis

Bacteria that migrate to your heart from other regions of the body can settle within its chambers and valves, infecting the inner lining. This inflames these tissues and creates lesions called vegetations, potentially damaging them and compromising your heart's normal function. Infected tissue can also break free from vegetation and migrate elsewhere, damaging other organs with infection or blood clots.

Pregnancy complications

Any infection that an expectant mother suffers from also puts the baby at risk. Prior to birth, the mother's bloodstream is linked directly to the infant's, and some bloodborne microbes can cross over. Even besides the risk of prenatal infection, ailing health on the mother's part can result in a premature birth and low birth weight, negatively affecting the infant's health.

Preventing health complications with dental care

While poor oral hygiene can cause serious health issues, most dental problems are fairly easy to treat if caught early on, mitigating the risk of contracting any of the aforementioned conditions. Your general dentistry practice is equipped to address excess plaque, gingivitis, and early tooth decay, eliminating harmful microbes and preventing them from entering the bloodstream.

Regularly scheduled cleanings and examinations, at least twice a year, combined with frequent brushing and flossing goes a long way in proactively ensuring oral health. If gum disease does develop, treatment consists of scaling and root planing to remove plaque buildup and bacterial byproducts, giving your gums and teeth the chance to heal. Minor cavities are treated with sealant or fillings to restore tooth integrity and function.

Conclusion

Your dental and gum health has an impact on the rest of your body. While certain diseases can be caused by tooth decay or gingivitis, preventative care keeps your smile beautiful and your heart healthy.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drscottdlurie.com or call Dr. Scott D. Lurie at (732) 227-4814 for an appointment in our East Brunswick office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in East Brunswick, NJ.

Related Posts

The Importance Of Regular General Dentistry Visits

Regular general dentistry visits are necessary for a number of reasons, however, it ultimately comes down to oral health maintenance and preventive care, both of which can only be done in a professional dentistry setting. Keep reading to find out more about the importance of general dentistry visits.Outlined below are a few reasons why regular…

How To Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Cleaning

When a child first goes to the dentist for a dental cleaning, there is often anxiety and resistance, which is completely normal. Thankfully, general dentists who work with children are trained to be extra patient and gentle. Additionally, they are able to provide parents with tips that can be helpful in preparing the child for…

When A Night Guard Is Recommended By Dentists

Your dentist may recommend a night guard for you if you are having pain you cannot relieve. Many things can cause painful headaches and jaws. Stress is the most common one. Wearing this dental appliance can relieve your discomfort. If you want to know when your dentist may recommend a night guard, here are the…

How Restorative Dentistry Can Transform Your Dental Health

Restorative dentistry treatments can change your smile and oral health dramatically. This dental subspecialty is particular because it allows patients to once again enjoy normal oral functions. The services deal with dental problems and help patients get back self-esteem and quality of life.The primary focus of a restorative dentist is the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment…