Most people think their oral health doesn’t affect their overall well-being. It is important to note that your oral health is the gateway to your overall health. A dentist New Hyde Park will take the time to explain the connection between oral health and overall health.
The Crucial Role of Prevention in Dental Health
Just like the old adage “Prevention is better than cure,” this adage relating to health doesn’t exclude oral health. Let’s discuss some preventive measures for oral diseases.
The Cornerstone of Dental Health
In terms of oral health, prevention is very important. This can’t be done at home alone so prevention takes place both at home and through regular visits to your dentist Lake Success. Note that all appropriate tools and health insurance need to be put in place.
The Importance of Regular Dental Visits
An important preventive measure is regular dental check-ups because your Lake Success dentist can detect some oral diseases that might come and prevent them, but you can only see them when they’re already happening and will need a cure, such as cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer.
The Interconnectedness of Oral Health and Overall Health
So many things can impact oral health and oral health can also impact some health conditions and diseases. Let’s go through these connections.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Studies indicate that maintaining a baseline of good dental health can facilitate the management of various medical disorders. For example, low birth weight or early births might result from periodontal disease during pregnancy. Additionally, there is a link between diabetes, heart problems, starvation, speech difficulties, mental health issues, and periodontal disease.
Bacteria and Oral Health
Bacteria in the mouth can transform into calculus, a hard, coral-like substance. If left unchecked, these bacteria can lead to periodontal disease or tooth decay. Cleaning in-between your teeth can help eliminate these bacteria, but once calculus forms, a visit to your New Hyde Park dental hygienist becomes mandatory.
The Emergence of Dental Therapists
Dental therapists are helping to increase access to oral care. But what exactly do they do?
The Role of Dental Therapists
Dental therapists are mid-level providers, akin to nurse practitioners in primary care but different from a dentist in New Hyde Park. They perform duties that fall between those of a hygienist and a dentist, such as extractions and fillings. They can operate in various settings, including schools, nursing homes, rural neighborhoods, and tribal communities.
Oral Health and Systemic Diseases
Several systemic diseases manifest symptoms in the mouth. Likewise, oral health problems can contribute to systemic challenges.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion refers to misaligned teeth that can trap food and be harder to clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. In children, malocclusion can even affect the shape of their airways, potentially resulting in sleep apnea or other breathing problems during sleep.
Heart Disease
Research indicates that people with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. With 80% of US adults having some form of gum disease, the importance of maintaining oral health becomes even more critical.
Diabetes
Evidently, people with diabetes are predisposed to periodontal disease. Besides, emerging research suggests that periodontal disease might increase the risk of developing diabetes, as it might adversely affect blood sugar levels.
Oral Health and Pregnancy
The health of a pregnant woman’s mouth can significantly impact her baby’s health. Let’s learn more about this relationship.
Low Birth Weight
Pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby born prematurely or with a low birth weight. Regular dental check-ups with your Lake Success dentist during pregnancy can reduce this risk.
Oral Health and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can be influenced by oral health. Here’s how they’re connected.
Sleep Apnea and Oral Health
An anatomically constricted airway can lead to sleep apnea. Conditions like malocclusion can impact the shape of the airway, leading to sleep problems.
Oral Health and Self-esteem
The state of your oral health can significantly influence your self-esteem and emotional well-being.
The Impact of Oral Health on Self-esteem
The condition of your teeth and gums can significantly impact how you feel about your smile. Issues like extensive decay, bleeding gums, bad breath, crooked or missing teeth, or ill-fitting dentures can affect your self-image and self-esteem.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
For many, a visit to the dentist can induce anxiety. Let’s understand how to overcome this common fear.
Dental Treatment and Emotional Healing
Finding a dentist in New Hyde Park who will listen to you and support your oral health can lead to emotional healing. It can help you regain control over your oral health, paving the way for improved self-esteem.
Your oral health is a powerful gauge of your overall health. By maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist, you’re not just safeguarding your smile, but your entire well-being.