When the Affordable Care Act was passed, many people questioned why oral health wasn’t included in the services providers were required to cover. Studies have consistently shown that a person’s oral health has an impact on their overall health and can provide details about this overall health. For this reason, every person should see a dentist regularly to prevent health problems and detect existing ones early.
Bacteria is found throughout the body, and the mouth is no exception. Most bacteria is harmless, and good oral hygiene helps to remove any bacteria that is bad. When this bacteria reaches harmful levels, a person may suffer from tooth decay or develop an infection in the mouth. Some medications reduce the amount of saliva flow, and this includes antidepressants, antihistamines and painkillers, among others. Saliva is needed to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, and it also helps to wash any food particles away. When the flow of saliva is reduced, this bacteria may thrive and lead to problems.
Inflammation in the mouth or an overgrowth of bacteria may play a part in the development of certain diseases. Furthermore, some individuals suffering from a chronic condition, such as diabetes, must be careful when it comes to their oral hygiene. Their condition may make them more susceptible to infection, thus an oral disease that wouldn’t be a significant issue for a healthy person could quickly escalate for them.
Conditions that have been linked to poor oral health include endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining, and low birth weight. A buildup of oral bacteria may lead to cardiovascular disease, and a mother may be at risk of given birth prematurely if she has oral health problems. Conditions other than diabetes that may increase a person’s risk of oral disease includes osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and HIV/AIDS. For this reason, a person always needs to let the dentist know if they have any health conditions and their physician know if they have dental issues.
In the event problems are detected in the mouth, a dentist needs to be seen immediately. Call on us at Ala Moana Dental Group. We will examine your mouth and help you determine a treatment plan that addresses the specific problems you are experiencing and one that prevents problems in the future. You can also connect them on Facebook.
