Oral Health and Overall Health Understanding the Connection Between Your Mouth and Body
Oral health is often overlooked as an essential component of overall well-being. However, a growing body of research has shed light on the strong connection between oral health and overall health, highlighting the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene to prevent systemic diseases.
Introduction:
When we think about our overall health, focusing on our weight, diet, and exercise routine is easy. However, what often slips our mind is oral health’s crucial role in maintaining our general well-being. The mouth is the gateway to the body, and poor oral health can lead to severe consequences for our overall health. This article will explore the connection between oral health and overall health, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing dental hygiene to prevent systemic diseases and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Mouth-Body Connection:
The mouth is home to diverse bacteria, some of which are beneficial and necessary for maintaining oral health, while others can cause diseases if not properly managed. When these harmful bacteria accumulate and cause infections in the mouth, they can readily travel through the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. This connection between oral and overall health has been well-documented in scientific research, with several systemic diseases linked to poor oral health.
Heart Disease: Research has shown that periodontal (gum) disease patients are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. The inflammation and infections caused by gum disease can lead to the narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis) and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes: There is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and oral health. Poor oral health can exacerbate diabetes by making blood sugar control more difficult. Conversely, diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease due to increased blood sugar levels, providing fertile ground for bacterial growth.
Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can enter the respiratory system, causing pneumonia and bronchitis. Poor oral health, including gum disease and tooth decay, can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Pregnancy Complications: Oral health issues, specifically periodontal disease, have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to experience preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.
Promoting Oral Health for Overall Wellness:
Understanding the connection between oral and overall health underscores the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene. Here are some essential steps to prioritize your oral health and, by extension, your overall well-being:
Brush and Floss Regularly: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are crucial steps in preventing the build-up of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist at least twice yearly for professional cleanings and oral examinations. These check-ups are vital for early detection and treatment of oral health issues before they escalate.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet, low in sugar and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day can help wash away food particles and bacteria.
Quit Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for gum disease and other oral health issues. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your oral health and reduce the risk of various systemic diseases.
Manage Chronic Conditions: If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, it is crucial to manage it effectively to reduce the risk of developing oral health issues.
Conclusion:
Oral health is a critical aspect of overall health that should be considered. By understanding the connection between the mouth and the body, we can better appreciate the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene to prevent systemic diseases and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Prioritizing oral health care, including regular dental check-ups, brushing and flossing, and a nutritious diet, can significantly improve our overall well-being. In addition, by integrating these practices into our daily routine, we can ensure a healthier and happier life for ourselves and our loved ones.
The Cornerstone of Oral Health Understanding Dental Hygiene and its Long-Term Benefits
Introduction
A radiant smile can light up a room, but the path to that captivating sparkle starts with a solid foundation in dental hygiene. Dental hygiene refers to your daily brushing and flossing regimen and regular professional treatments designed to maintain oral health. Understanding these treatments’ frequency and benefits can help you make informed decisions about your dental care, paving the way for a lifetime of confident smiles.
1. The Essentials of Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is a multi-faceted approach aimed at preventing oral health issues. From daily routines like brushing and flossing to professional cleanings, dental hygiene is an ongoing commitment that requires consistency. This dedicated care removes plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
For most individuals, dental professionals recommend professional cleaning every six months. However, the frequency can vary depending on a person’s oral health status. For example, those with ongoing dental conditions such as periodontal disease might require more frequent visits.
4. Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening Your Teeth
Fluoride treatments are a crucial part of dental hygiene that strengthen the tooth enamel and help prevent decay. This treatment, typically applied during your professional cleaning, provides extra protection against cavities and can even reverse early signs of deterioration.
5. Oral Cancer Screening: A Lifesaving Exam
Dental hygiene appointments also provide an opportunity for oral cancer screenings. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, making this a vital part of your dental hygiene routine.
A clean and healthy mouth is more than just a beautiful smile. Recent research has revealed a connection between oral health and overall systemic health. Good dental hygiene can reduce the risk of health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Conclusion
Dental hygiene, comprising your at-home care and regular professional treatments, is an investment in your oral health and overall well-being. It’s a proactive approach that prevents dental issues, ensuring your smile remains as dazzling as ever. By understanding the importance of dental hygiene, you can take charge of your oral health and reap the long-term benefits.
Are you ready to enhance your dental hygiene routine? At AppleTree Dental, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Reach out to us today at (519) 641-1411, or send an email to info@appletreedental.ca. You can also explore our comprehensive range of services on our website at www.appletreedental.ca. Partner with us for a lifetime of radiant smiles!
Dental hygiene is needed for a healthy body and you must know the smart tips to keep your teeth healthy and long lasting.
We’ve put together this content that explains 10 Dental Hygiene Tips For Healthy Teeth. Be aware and take care of your teeth.
[1]Think you’re in a good groove with your daily oral hygiene routine? Take it up a notch with some simple technique adjustments. When added up, these 10 tips will help you refine your dental health habits –and keep your smile shiny and bright.
Use Proper Brushing Technique
There is a wrong and right way to brush your teeth. For a more thorough brush:
Use a soft-bristled brush
Beginning at your gumline, brush at a 45° angle
Brush the outside of your teeth, inside, and all over your molars
Be sure to get every nook and cranny around your teeth
Gently brush your gums and tongue
Brush Enough
Brush for at least two minutes a session. Use an hourglass or your favorite song to help you and your children keep track of time.
Pick The Right Brush
Manual or electric, bristle and handle type, head size, and of course, color! When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, there are a lot of options. Select a brush with a soft bristle and small to medium size head as recommended. After that, the rest is up to you.
Look For The Ada Seal
Ensure that your toothpaste is safe and effective by choosing one with the ADA seal and fluoride – this will fight plaque and prevent tooth decay.
Floss Properly
Like brushing, there’s a wrong and right way to floss. Remember to:
Give yourself about 18 inches of floss
Wind most of it around middle fingers, leaving 1to 2 inches on both sides
Make sure the floss is tight between your thumbs and index finger, then gently slide it between your teeth, using clean sections as you go from tooth to tooth
Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
Use A Fluoride Toothpaste
When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.
While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
Consider Mouthwash
Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth. “Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance,” he explains. “I think in children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is particularly helpful.”
Drink More Water
Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
Eat Crunchy Fruits And Vegetables
Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. “I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age,” says Schwartz. “So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!”
Conclusion:
We hope the content lets you understand the various methods through which one can maintain their dental hygiene. All the possible ways are explained but never bound yourself. Keep looking for best suggestions for your good oral health.
Tooth whitening has become one of the most frequently requested dental procedures by the public. The public has come to demand whiter, more perfect smiles, and in response, many choices for tooth whitening have been made available. These include home-based products such as toothpaste, gels, and films, as well as in-office-based systems where products containing highly concentrated bleaching agents are applied under professional supervision. The profession and public have been aware of certain risks related to tooth whitenings such as increased tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation. New research has shown that there are other risks such as tooth surface roughening and softening, increased potential for demineralization, degradation of dental restorations, and unacceptable color change of dental restorations. The new research is also focused on optimizing whitening procedures to reduce tooth sensitivity and increase the persistence of the whitening.
[2]There are many teeth whitening systems and products, including whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and whitening products you get from a dentist.
Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.
Whitening Systems
It’s never been easier to brighten your smile at home. There are all kinds of products you can try: rinses, gels, chewing gum, toothpaste, and strips.
If you decide to try whitening at home, the American Dental Association suggests that you talk with your dentist first, especially if you have:
Choose a product with a peroxide level in the middle of that range. If the product doesn’t bother your mouth but doesn’t give the lightning effect you want, you can choose a higher level. If you have any questions, your dentist can help you find the whitener that best fits your needs.
Whitening Toothpaste
All toothpaste removes surface stains because they contain mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpaste contains gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. You might spend $1 to $20, though any prices may vary.
Whitening toothpaste removes surface stains only and does not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that lightens the color deep in the tooth. Whitening toothpaste can lighten the tooth’s color by about one shade. In contrast, prescription strength whitening conducted in your dentist’s office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Strips And Gels
Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth. Instructions vary depending on the strength of the peroxide. Follow the directions on the product carefully. Initial results are seen in a few days, and final results last about 4 months. A full course takes between 10 and 14 days. You may need to apply them twice a day. You can buy whitening strips and gels from your pharmacy, dentist, or online for around $10 to $55.
Whitening strips are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The strips should be applied according to the instructions on the label. Initial results are seen in a few days, and final results last about 4 months.
Whitening Rinses
Among the newest whitening products available are whitening rinses. Like most mouthwashes, they freshen your breath and reduce dental plaque and gum disease. But these products also include ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide in some, that whiten teeth. Manufacturers say it may take 12 weeks to see results. You just swish them around in your mouth for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing your teeth. However, some experts say that rinses may not be as effective as other over-the-counter whitening products. Because a whitening rinse is only in contact with the teeth for such a short time — just 2 minutes a day compared to 30 minutes for many strips — it may have less of an effect. To give whitening mouthwashes a boost, some people rinse first and then brush their teeth with whitening toothpaste. Be ready to spend around $5 per bottle.
Follow directions. Don’t leave the strips or gels on longer than the directions say, or you might wind up with sore gums and set yourself up for other problems. After you whiten, avoid soda, sports drinks, or other acidic beverages for a couple of hours to protect your teeth.
Protect sensitive teeth. Your teeth may be a little sensitive after you whiten, but it’s usually brief. It might be less of an issue if your teeth and gums are in good shape. If it bothers you, stop the treatment and talk to your dentist. Gel-filled trays, which you wear over your teeth like a mouth guard, can also bother your gums if they don’t fit well. It’s a good idea to stop using the product if you start having this problem.
Don’t overdo it. How much whitening is too much? If you follow a product’s directions and get a good result, a once-a-month touch-up session is usually enough. When your teeth reach a shade you like, you’ll need to repeat the multiple bleaching sessions twice a year or less.
The length of time you can expect tooth whitening to last is based on the type of whitener you’re using. Your lifestyle habits also have an effect.
Tooth whitening treatments are designed to reduce stains, not repel them. If you have good oral habits and keep your teeth clean, at-home products and dental procedures will last longer.
Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Stains
Keep in mind that the degree and type of tooth discoloration or stain you have matters. There are two types of tooth stains:
intrinsic (internal): caused by aging, trauma, infection, and medication. These deep, internal stains are harder to eliminate but can be removed, given the right type of treatment.
extrinsic (external): caused by food, cigarette smoke, and drink. Most whiteners only work on extrinsic stains.
Here are some of the most popular whitening treatments and how long they last.
Whitening Toothpaste
If you use a whitening toothpaste twice daily, it may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks before you see any results. Users say these results can last for up to 3 or 4 months.
Whitening toothpaste can be used every day or several times a week. They contain ingredients that polish or whiten teeth, such as:
hydrogen peroxide
carbamide peroxide
mild abrasives
Toothpaste that only contains abrasives tackle surface stains and can’t change the internal color of teeth. Those that contain peroxide can whiten teeth and remove stains to varying degrees.
You may be able to prolong these effects if you continue to use whitening toothpaste. But some people are sensitive to the ingredients and find that their gums or teeth become uncomfortable with prolonged use. Many toothpaste containing abrasives are also not meant for long-term use.
Long-term use of whitening toothpaste may thin tooth enamel. If you plan to use whitening toothpaste long term, try alternating with a toothpaste designed to protect and strengthen enamel.
Whitening Mouthwash
It may take up to 3 months before you see any effect from a whitening mouthwash.
Whitening mouthwashes usually contain hydrogen peroxide. You can use a whitening mouthwash daily, to help remove small degrees of surface staining.
Whitening mouthwash may be most effective when used to prolong the effect of other treatments, such as in-office whitening or whitening strips. When used alone, its effects are not dramatic, or long-lasting.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips vary in the number of treatments needed before you see results. Some strips provide superior results, which can last for up to 6 months.
Whitening strips are one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for whitening teeth at home. Some brands are easier to use and more effective than others. Some use LED accelerator lights to provide more intense stain removal.
Whitening strips use peroxide to bleach teeth and remove stains. When used incorrectly or too often, they may be uncomfortable or harmful to teeth.
When used correctly, high-quality brands of whitening strips can remove both extrinsic and mild intrinsic stains, by bleaching teeth to make them whiter in color.
Whitening Pens
Whitening pens take from 2 days up to a week. They provide minimal results that are usually not long-lasting.
Whitening pens are small, plastic tubes containing whitening gel that are transportable and used for spot stain removal. The gel washes away easily, so you can’t eat, drink, or rinse your teeth for about an hour after application.
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!
We have compiled this article on “What Does Dental Cleaning Entail?” The reference links are at the bottom of the article.
[1]Many people dread teeth cleanings. Between the prodding, strange noises, and occasional jaw discomfort, it’s easy to understand their apprehension. But for most, a teeth cleaning is simple and painless.
Knowing exactly what is going on during the process can help ease your stress and allow you to better enjoy the minty-fresh results.
[2]Pretty much everyone knows how important it is to have routine dental cleanings to help prevent both cavities and gum disease. But what many people don’t know is that there are actually two types of cleanings — the routine cleaning you have (or should have) every six months and a much deeper cleaning that’s usually reserved for people with moderate to advanced gum disease. Even if you haven’t heard of a deep dental cleaning before, you might have heard it called by its “other” name — root planing and scaling. That’s a little more descriptive, but it still doesn’t describe what a deep cleaning does, or when and why it’s performed. Here’s how to tell the difference between the two types of cleaning and how to know which one you’re going to need.
Dental Cleanings: What They Are And How They’re Done
Both routine and deep dental cleanings have one primary goal: To get rid of plaque and tartar deposits that can cause gum disease and other oral health problems. But beyond that, the two procedures are a lot different.
All individuals are advised to undergo professional teeth cleaning at least once every six months for preventative maintenance. If the patient has existing oral problems or disorders, the cleaning should be done more frequently.
Also known as prophylaxis, the procedure removes mineralized plaque or tartar deposits on the teeth surface to prevent the dental problems they can cause when left undisturbed. These deposits can easily accumulate even when a person carefully and regularly brushes or flosses his teeth. Routine brushing may slow down the accumulation of plaque but cannot prevent it completely. The word prophylaxis comes from a Greek word that means “to prevent beforehand.”
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that is infested with bacteria. The long-term accumulation of plaque can easily lead to cavities and, eventually, to tooth decay. Tartar, on the other hand, are hard calcium deposits that build up over time in the same manner that limescale builds up on a kettle or water pipe. In most cases, it has the same color as the teeth, making it hard to notice for some people. In some cases, however, it has a brown or black color. If tartar is not removed, the teeth condition becomes ripe for the growth of bacteria. Through professional dental cleaning, the surface of the tooth is left clean and smooth so bacteria will have a hard time sticking to it.
The Goals Of Regularly Having Teeth Professionally Cleaned Are To:
Prevent cavities
Maintain good oral health
Prevent periodontal disease
Prevent too much tartar from building up
Remove surface stains
How Does The Procedure Work?
Professional dental cleaning can be performed either by a dentist or a dental hygienist. The procedure involves the use of three cleaning techniques:
Tooth scaling – Scaling is the process of removing bacterial film or buil up substances from tooth surface.
Tooth polishing – Performed after scaling, polishing is the process of making the surface of the teeth smoother.
Debridement – Debridement is used when too much tartar has accumulated and scaling cannot remove them. Using this technique, the dental hygienist will use a variety of dental instruments to carefully loosen the deposits and remove them from the teeth.
Dentists and hygienists usually use the following tools or instruments when performing dental cleaning:
Ultrasonic instruments – These are instruments that use tickling vibrations to gently but effectively loosen up large pieces of tartar. At the same time, it sprays a cool mist of water to wash away the small debris as they come loose. Once the larger pieces have been removed, dentists usually change from ultrasonic instruments to finer hand tools.
Scalers or curettes – These are smaller hand tools that dentists use to manually remove smaller pieces of deposits. They are very effective in scraping off tartar and plaque.
Polisher – This is a hand tool with a soft rubber tip that slowly moves to polish the tooth surface.
Fluoride – Dentists may also apply some fluoride during a teeth cleaning. Available in foam or gel, fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth to compensate for the negative effects that plaque and tartar had on them. If fluoride is applied, the patient will be advised not to eat, drink, or rinse the mouth for at least 30 minutes after application.
Possible Complications And Risks
The process of a professional teeth cleaning does not cause pain, and it is generally comfortable, except for the length of time the patient has to sit with his mouth open. However, the process can be more uncomfortable for those who have plaque and tartar that are harder to remove. If hardened tartar has been removed, subsequent cleanings will take less time.
However, dental cleaning has to be done in a meticulous and careful manner. Thus, it is also important to find a dentist and dental hygienist that can be trusted and has all the necessary training and certification to practice. If the cleaning is done in an overly vigorous manner or it is incorrectly performed, there is a risk of causing injury to the gums, making the gums more vulnerable to infection. Injured gums also cause soreness, gingivitis (swelling and inflammation), and bleeding gums. There is also a risk of damaging the tooth enamel.
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!
If Teeth Cleaning is what you are looking for and you are in London Ontario, then you have landed on the right website. Apple Tree Dental is your full service Dental Clinic.
Give us a call today, and we can arrange an appointment that best suits your schedule.
Teeth Cleaning:
The goal of Teeth Cleaning is to remove dental plaque and calculus. Teeth cleaning should be a routine because if plaque is not removed in time, it turns into tartar, which is impossible to remove by brushing your teeth. If plaque is left on your teeth to harden, it can cause cavities, gingivitis, as well as periodontal disease.
Preventative measures, like teeth cleaning, are a must.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?
The first step is to book an appointment for a dental checkup. Next, we will advise you on the recommended teeth cleaning frequency during this visit. Our professional staff will make sure your gums are in a healthy state. And then we can get you back on a regular teeth-cleaning schedule.
Usually, we recommend 6 month cleaning intervals for patients with good oral health.
Does It Hurt To Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
If you have a significant buildup of plaque, the appointment can be up to an hour. Pain is not generally associated with teeth cleaning, but discomfort is normal and expected during the procedure. If you experience dental anxiety, let the dentist know so they can advise a comfortable treatment plan.
Can Plaque Buildup Be Prevented?
Regular flossing and brushing can slow down the buildup. But there is no way to prevent it because our saliva has minerals that will harden the plaque into tartar and that is why regular cleaning is required. Diet can also slow the buildup by not smoking or reducing sugary or starchy foods.
We Are Here To Help.
Give us a call at Apple Tree Dental to schedule teeth cleaning appointment.
Our practice can guarantee all of our patients that we will bring back the confidence and glow on your face through our dental services. We are offering a range of treatment that will best suit your needs.
Dr. Nagham Altalib graduated from dental school, Baghdad University, Iraq, in 1998. After finishing her internship, she started practicing dentistry in a prosthodontics specialized academic center in Baghdad.
In 2007, she moved with her family to Dubai, UAE. She joined the DHCC European University team for Implants and Orthodontics. Her role was to diagnose orthodontic needs for children. That was a major research project to promote and improve oral hygiene for children in Dubai.
In 2010, she commenced her journey in Canada. Following her training and multiple exams, she was NDEB certified and started to practice dentistry.
London was the city she decided to live and practice in with her family. She started as an associate dentist, but soon she decided to establish her own practice.
Dr. Altalib’s experience and patience with child-dentistry came from her motherhood, as she is a mother for two kids. Her areas of expertise include Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and Cosmetic dentistry. In her free time, she always spends her time with family and friends.