Dental health is key to overall health
The next time you are reclining in your dentist’s chair, you should know that when you open your mouth wide, your dentist is looking at more than just your teeth – and you should be thankful.
Dentists can tell a lot about your overall health when they examine your mouth during a regular dental exam because your oral health is the gateway to your overall health.
To trained dental professionals who are familiar with their patients, gingivitis, breath that smells a certain way, eroding enamel, increased infections or easy-to-bleed gums can be signs of bigger problems.
And some of those problems might not have anything to do with your mouth. According to the American Dental Association, early indicators of diabetes, heart disease or other serious conditions can sometimes show up in your mouth before any other symptoms might reveal themselves.
Dental warning signs: cavities, bleeding gums
Many people don’t realize that a cavity in your tooth is actually an infectious disease. Left untreated, this infection caused by tooth decay can spread in your mouth, creating gum disease.
And the ADA cites studies showing that people who have gum disease can also be at higher risk for serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems and even dementia.
This covers a large number of people in the United States. Data from the Centers for Disease Control indicate nearly half of all adults in the U.S. age 30 and older have some form of gum disease.
So, if your dentist notices chronic gum disease, also called periodontal disease, he or she might talk to you about the other health problems that could be involved. They might also suggest you see your regular physician for a check-up.
Follow a daily oral hygiene routine
Citing the potential link between gum disease and other health problems, the ADA recommends focusing on preventative dental care as a step toward maintaining overall health. And the easiest way to do that is by getting into a simple, daily oral hygiene routine:
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Pick a quality toothbrush and a good toothpaste with fluoride that is designed to help prevent cavities and remove plaque, such as Glister™ Multi-Action Fluoride Toothpaste. Bonus: Glister also helps whiten your teeth by removing stains! Place the brush at a 45 degree angle against your gums and brush in a circular motion for at least 2 minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth, gums and tongue.
2. Floss at least once a day – twice is better!
Flossing is a vital part of your oral care routine to promote healthy gums and enhances overall oral health. Experts recommend flossing at least once a day after brushing to get in spaces where brushing can’t reach, but it’s a good idea to keep floss handy to use whenever you feel it’s necessary.
Use a dental floss that slips easily in between your teeth, such as one with a waxed, flat ribbon design like Glister Multi-Action Dental Floss. Using thumbs and fingers, gently work floss between each tooth to just below the gum line. Slide the floss against the surface of each tooth and don’t forget the back of the last tooth on both sides, top and bottom.
3. Rinse with mouthwash
Regular use of an oral rinse or mouthwash helps remove lingering plaque that brushing may miss. It can also eliminate bacteria that can cause bad breath and help clean between teeth. Use the amount of rinse recommended on the package (for Glister Multi-Action Mouthwash it’s 15ml) and rinse all areas of your mouth vigorously for 30 seconds.
Other dental health tips
Following those three key steps each day will go a long way toward supporting your oral health, but you can also help by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. A daily diet that includes colorful fruits and vegetables is not only good for your overall health, it also helps your oral health.
And of course, see your dentist regularly. Those routine visits help keep your mouth healthy and allow your dentist to look for signs of other potential problems. Consider it an investment in yourself!
Want to learn more about Glister Multi-Action Fluoride Toothpaste and other products to support your oral health? Click on the links below.
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