The salivary glands sit inside each cheek, at the bottom of your mouth, and near your front teeth by the jaw bone. Sometimes dental insurance is included in your health insurance plan. Sometimes dental coverage comes from a separate, stand-alone dental plan. Oral health problems can be a sign of other health problems, such as diabetes. Your risk for oral health problems is also higher if you have certain health problems, such as HIV and eating disorders. Contact your dentist right away if you notice any oral health problems.
Having good oral health is essential for overall well-being. Proper dental care not only helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but it also plays a significant role in maintaining optimal physical health.
Regular Brushing and Flossing
It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection. Systemic diseases, those that affect the entire body, may first become apparent because of mouth lesions or other oral problems. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. They can examine your teeth and gums and make recommendations tailored to your needs. Remember, the best oral hygiene routine is one that you can practice consistently. Talk to your dentist about a personalized oral health regimen to meet your needs.
Researchers at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center sought to understand precisely which bacteria can survive the trek through the digestive tract to promote cancer in the lower gut. In a study last month, the team examined colorectal cancer tumors from 200 patients. Half the patients had high levels of a Fusobacterium nucleatum subtype, called Fna C2, in their tumor tissue compared to healthy tissue. That bacterium was also more prevalent in the stool of people with colorectal cancer.
To maintain good oral health, it is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, while flossing cleans between teeth where toothbrushes cannot reach.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. Dentists can detect early signs of dental issues and provide necessary treatment before they progress into more serious problems. It is recommended to visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine examinations and cleanings.
Under certain conditions, proteins on the outside of the bacterium fold into amyloids—the same kind of proteins that cause plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Those sturdy exterior proteins appear to protect bacteria against the destructive properties of stomach acid. Fusobacteria are part of the “mobile microbiome,” said Yiping Han, PhD, professor of microbial sciences in dental medicine and microbiology and immunology at Columbia University.
Furthermore, practicing good oral hygiene habits such as avoiding sugary foods and drinks, quitting smoking, and using fluoride toothpaste can help improve your oral health and reduce the risk of dental problems in the future.
High costs ultimately lead to delayed treatment, which leaves those suffering from severe dental pain to turn to emergency departments, placing the burden of care on our hospitals and health systems. For reference, there were 2.1 million emergency department (ED) visits for dental conditions at a cost of $2.7 billion in 2017. Adult and child Medicaid beneficiaries made up a majority of these ED visits at 40% and 69%, respectively.
Remember, your smile is a reflection of your overall health. Taking care of your teeth and gums is not only beneficial for your appearance but also for your overall well-being. Make oral health a priority in your daily routine for a healthier and happier life.
