Did you know your teeth can signal something wrong with your health?
Your mouth is host to a wide variety of bacteria, most of which are harmless. But the mouth serves as an entryway for bacteria to reach other parts of the body. Bacteria can access critical systems such as the respiratory and digestive systems through the mouth.
When bacteria multiply beyond healthy limits, they can spread to different body parts and cause diseases. As a result, a dental issue, from bad breath to gum disease, can indicate an underlying health problem.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and health is the best way to keep bacteria in the mouth in check. Hygienic oral practices such as daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental cleanings, can impact your oral as well as overall health for the better.
Preventing Dental Diseases is Key to Maintaining Overall Health
Certain oral diseases can be indicative of an underlying health problem.
Regular dental check-ups allow you to catch and address such symptoms much earlier, allowing enough time to act on such issues immediately.
Gum Diseases
Gum disease could signify diabetes, heart issues, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or respiratory disease. Gum disease can be as mild as swollen gums or as severe as gingivitis and periodontitis. Inflamed gums are often the beginning signs of gum disease.
The most common reason for gum disease is a buildup of plaque. Plaque is a thick layer of bacteria on the teeth and gums. Daily brushing and flossing remove this accumulation. Stubborn plaque and tartar are best removed by a thorough dental cleaning administered by a dentist.
A healthy dental routine and visits to the dentist at least once every six months can reduce plaque.
Gum Infections
Increased frequency of gum infections has been observed in people with diabetes. Lowered body defense against infections due to diabetes is the reason for increased gum infections in such patients.
Regular periodontal care, including dental check-ups and professional teeth cleanings, can help keep infections under control in diabetics.
Cavities
A cavity is damage and decay of teeth. Oral bacteria cause cavities. But unhealthy dental habits such as improper brushing and excessive snacking on sugary items trigger such bacteria.
Cavities are hard to identify, which is why regular dental visits are vital in preventing this oral condition. Without timely treatment, cavities can lead to unbearable toothache, infection, and loss of the affected tooth.
Bad Breath
Also called halitosis, bad breath can be caused by certain foods such as onion and garlic. Lack of proper brushing and flossing and absence of regular dentist visits cause bad breath.
Food stays in the mouth without dental hygiene, either on the tongue, teeth, or gums. Bacteria thrive on such remains and lead to bad breath.
Bad breath may also be indicative of:
· Infection in the respiratory system
· Diabetes
· Kidney or liver disorder
· A disorder of the gastrointestinal system
Diseases with Links to Oral Health
You can reduce the chances of late diagnosis of specific diseases that are linked to oral health.
Heart Attack
Cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke are 2-3 times more likely to occur in people with periodontal or gum diseases. According to experts, an increase in body inflammation by gum disease leads to a buildup of plaque (cholesterol deposits) in arteries.
This condition thins blood flow pathways, reducing the reach of blood to the heart, which can result in a heart attack.
Oral Cancer
People with unhealthy gums and teeth are likely to be more susceptible to oral HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection. This can potentially lead to oral cancer over time.
Dementia
A recent study links dementia with poor oral health. Bacteria that cause gum diseases are connected to the development of dementia, in particular vascular dementia, the study states. Dementia could result from bacteria travelling from the mouth to the brain through the bloodstream.
In Conclusion
Good oral health keeps your smile confident and can help protect you from debilitating diseases.
Now is the time to start taking your dental health seriously. Pre-book dentist visits so that you do not skip them. Make professional dental cleanings a priority. Seek your dentist’s advice on good oral habits and products to keep your teeth, gums, and body healthy. Contact Torbram Dental today for more information.
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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