About

Dental and oral health is not just about the wellbeing of your oral cavity. It is linked to your overall health. With poor oral hygiene, you are at the risk of developing gum disease, cavities, and also other health conditions that may include cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

To maintain your oral and dental health, you are going to have to commit to a dental hygiene routine. Brushing, flossing, and consuming less sugar can help you prevent severe dental health problems and the need for costly dental procedures.

Symptoms of oral and dental health problems

A biannual dental visit is the standard approach towards avoiding dental health problems. The best thing about these dental visits is that they help you prevent and even get rid of the dental and oral health problems before they start showing any symptoms.

Generally, you will need to visit your dentist as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms.

• Sores, ulcers, or any swelling that doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks
• Bleeding in the gums after brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Loose teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Clicking and popping sounds from TMJs
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Dry mouth

You should visit your dentist immediately if any of these symptoms show up.

Reasons for oral and dental health problems

An oral cavity has an ecosystem consisting of bacteria: both good and bad. Other microorganisms can also prevail in this ecosystem. The balance of this ecosystem remains well-balanced with good bacteria prevailing. With bad bacteria taking control, things might get out of balance, putting the oral cavity at the risk of developing issues that can result in dental and oral health conditions.

For instance, you will not want bacteria to accumulate near the gum line, because it can result in plaque formation, which is bad for both teeth and gums. Hardening of plaque, also known as tartar formation, can result in tooth decay and gum disease.

Inflammation can result in the gums pulling away from the teeth, making the teeth look longer. This problem is known as the gum recession. The early stage of this gum problem is known as gingivitis, which is pretty much reversible through adjustments in the oral hygiene routine. Leaving gingivitis untreated can result in it becoming an advanced condition, also known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is treatable through medical intervention only.

The connection between oral and overall health

People have been talking about oral health more in recent years. Health experts have been able to find an association between oral and overall health. As it turns out, your overall health depends heavily on your oral health. Mayo Clinic suggests that inflammation due to bacteria in the mouth can result in health conditions, include heart disease, premature birth, and low birth weight. Bacteria in the mouth can include in the bloodstream to spread into different regions of the body, triggering a body-wide inflammation.

Treating oral health conditions

The best way to deal with oral health issues is to avoid them by practicing good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush and floss regularly. Paying a dental visit every six months can also help you prevent several oral health problems. If you notice any symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.