Relation Between Dental Health and Overall Health

Research has shown that good overall health is also dependent on being orally health. Oral health and good overall health conditions are related in more ways than one. Dentists feel that dental health is an indicator of one’s overall physical condition.

Diseases that Could be Caused from Poor Dental Health

Issues like bad breath is often an indicator of indigestion, in addition to the presence of the bacteria in the mouth. So dental and gum problems not only show signs of poor oral hygiene but also proves the fact that one is suffering from some serious health issue. The seriousness of the problem can be ascertained by a visit to the dentist as well as your medical practitioner. Over a period of time research has been conducted and found that there is a very strong connection between ulcers in the mouth, sensitive and bleeding gums, periodontal disease and problems such as cardiac issues, stomach and digestion problems, diabetes, kidney problems, pancreatic cancer, and oral cancer to name a few. Therefore, if a dental problem persists, dentists are conscious of getting it checked to see if it is merely an oral problem, or is more than that.

How Other Diseases Start With the Mouth

Your mouth is considered to be a hotbed of germs. The food particles get lodged in the hard to remove places, over time take the form of plaque. The plaque gets deposited on the teeth enamel and forms tarter. The bacteria from the mouth travel on to the mainstream and spread the bacteria into the blood stream.

Maintaining Good Dental Health

The only way to control bacteria is to maintain the best of oral hygiene by brushing and flossing on time. It is necessary to brush and floss after every major meal. It is a good idea to visit a dentist and learn the correct techniques of brushing and flossing. Spend a reasonable time brushing your teeth and make sure the food particles are completely dislodged from the crevices. This will prevent the bacteria from growing and in turn keep your teeth and gums in good condition.
While brushing and flossing is important, it is also important to follow a good and a healthy diet rich in calcium and minerals. This helps to strengthen the teeth as also protect the gums. Avoid products like tobacco and alcohol as they can play havoc with your teeth and can be a cause oral cancer.

Oral Thrush

Have you noticed a strange white substance on the inside of your mouth? If so, there is a good chance that you are suffering from an infection called oral thrush.

What is oral thrush?

Oral thrush is an infection of fungal yeast inside of your mouth which is called Candida Albicans. The presence of oral thrush is most commonly found on a person’s tongue or on the inner cheek tissue, but may also be found on any other oral tissue including the esophagus or tonsils. It has been found that people who have a weak or compromised immune system such as newborn children or those who suffer from health conditions such as diabetes or cancer are among the most commonly affected.

Symptoms of oral thrush

The most common symptoms of oral thrush include:

• White growths on the surfaces of the inner tissue of your mouth such as your cheeks or tongue.
• You have a weakened sense of taste.
• You notice soreness or bleeding after you scrape the white growth off of the affected area.
• Bad breath and an unusually dry mouth.

Treatment for oral thrush

Healthy adults will usually be instructed to eat specific foods which are rich in good bacteria to regulate the oral thrush. If the oral thrush is unaffected by the good bacteria, anti-fungal medications are commonly prescribed to help your body fight the infection.
Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential to promoting good oral health. Make a point of visiting your dentist at the first sign of unusual oral health conditions so you can receive proper treatment at an early stage.

What’s the Deal with Cold Sores?

Contrary to popular belief, a cold sore virus is actually only caught through direct contact with the skin like kissing, not through shared cutlery, cups, towels and the like. If you have cold sores, you were probably kissed by someone who has them on the face.
Cold sores, which are caused by herpes simplex virus, may show up anywhere on your body. But they are more likely to appear on your fingers, nose, cheeks, or outside of your lips or even the genitals. But don’t worry; cold sore viruses are rarely serious and usually last for just about a week.
Although for anyone who has a complex immune system or has AIDS, the infection can be life-threatening. If the infection spreads, it may cause meningitis or encephalitis to the brain; or if in the eye, may cause blindness.
Anyone who has had cold sores before can have it again at a later time. In saying so, when it heals, it doesn’t mean that it’s gone for good. It only hides in your nerve sheaths and reactivates or reappears later on. A few unlucky individuals get them from time to time. When they do, doctors or dentists in Scottsdale usually prescribe them medicine or antiviral tablets.

If you happen to catch one, try these preventative measures:

• Look after yourself so you don’t get ill. Make certain that you get enough sleep and that you take multi-vitamin & mineral pills.
• Sometimes, being in direct sunlight may trigger or worsen it so stay away from direct sunlight or use a sun block lotion.
• If you notice it reappearing, apply a cold compress on the area for 90 minutes. Then, lather it with an herbal cream. Ask your doctor about this.
• Some topical anesthetics may also stop a cold sore virus if it does break through.
• Applying cold used tea bags or tea tree oil to the infected area can speed up the healing process.

As earlier mentioned, recurrence of cold sores are very seldom and happens to a very few people. However, if it indeed reappear, it’s most likely for reasons such as stress, getting your period, coming down with an illness, drinking too much alcohol or being under the sun for too long.
Cold sores are very common so don’t be over sensitive about them. As long as you are taking good care of your health and hygiene, you are sure to stay away from those fever blisters.