Lifestyle Changes and Preventative Dental Care Make A Difference For Your Oral Health

Did you know that compromised dental hygiene and lack of preventative dental care can be  gateways to diseases like bacterial pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and even stroke?

In fact, some systemic diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, and HIV can actually manifest in some ways as mouth lesions and other oral issues. Oral and dental health is not just dependent on healthy teeth and gums, but it requires that bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and glands also be in top shape.

Our Coral Gables Dentistry Services Help Prevent The Risk Of Systemic Diseases

At the office of Dr. Barreto, our Coral Gables dentistry experts have years of experience in providing holistic care that helps protect your long-term health. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 90% of all systemic diseases can appear in the mouth.

A saliva swab or close inspection can help highlight any underlying symptoms so the proper course of action can be taken on time.

For instance, a dentist can inspect your saliva to highlight the following issues:

• The stress response in children via the cortisol levels in saliva
• Bone loss
• Potential cancer-causing symptoms
• Use of illegal drugs
• Antibodies and hormones that indicate HIV or Hepatitis infection
• Environmental toxins

How Your Dental Health Affects Your Overall Health

What’s alarming is that there are more than 700 species of bacteria in a mouth, though most are put to rest by saliva, which is our first line of defense.

But many of these bacteria can take on dangerous forms if not controlled in time.

Brushing and flossing are important for getting rid of bacteria-ridden plaque from in between your gums. However, if these initial defenses cannot restrict growth of bacteria, they might enter the bloodstream.

We often see dental hygiene issues manifest as gingivitis.

If not taken seriously, gingivitis can lead to a more severe infection called periodontitis, or trench mouth AKA acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.

Prolonged gum disease not only leads to loss of teeth, but it also increases chances of:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Premature births

Oral Hygiene Tips To Maintain Dental Health

Here are some oral hygiene tips and lifestyle changes, recommended by our experts:

• Keep alcohol and tobacco intake in check — both substances lead to teeth discoloration, stains, and oral issues.
• Say no to sugar and shift to healthier alternatives such as flavored water, unsweetened tea, sugar-free drinks, etc.
• Take vitamin supplements
• Brush and floss regularly, at least thrice a day
• Mouth ulcers, lesions, and canker sores on the tongue can lead to many problems, so please maintain tongue hygiene.

Learn More About Holistic and Preventative Dental Care In Miami

Considering how dental health affects overall health, feel free to contact our offices and schedule an appointment today. Our dental technicians use holistic practices to ensure the protection of your health while keeping your teeth and gums looking great.