Grand Rapids Oral Hygiene

A healthy mouth supports a healthy body. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help you to avoid painful conditions like gum disease. During your visit, your dentist may spot signs in your teeth and gums indicating illness elsewhere. Visit a dentist regularly to ensure that you have the best oral and overall health. Contact Michigan dentist Dr. Jerry Mulder & Allyson Mulder today to schedule a dental cleaning and examination.

How a Healthy Mouth Supports a Healthy Body

By visiting a local Grand Rapids dentist regularly, you can ensure a healthy body by preventing infection. Your dentist will notice any decay requiring inlays or onlays, as well as inflammation, infection or plaque buildup that may indicate illness or lead to further infection if untreated. Periodontal disease may be linked to serious illnesses like heart disease. Routine dental cleanings, accompanied by regular brushing and flossing, is the best way to avoid gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Dr. Mulder and his dentistry team can spot problems early on to help you avoid gum disease, and they provide expert periodontal treatment.

A healthy mouth may help you avoid these health issues:

• Infection and inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Blockages in the arteries
• Cardiovascular problems, including heart disease

In addition to visiting the dentist regularly, you can protect your overall health by practicing good oral hygiene habits. Avoid periodontal disease by brushing at least twice a day. Brush your side teeth in circular motions at a 45 degree angle to your gumline, and remember to brush your molars and your front teeth.

Floss once a day. Flossing is an important part of removing plaque, but many people often neglect daily flossing. To remember to floss every day, try placing your dental floss in plain sight where you will see it. Be sure to floss up and down the contours of each side of the tooth and under the gumline, where plaque often accumulates.

Plaque and Heart Disease

Research has shown that people with periodontitis are much more likely to also have heart disease. Currently there is not enough research to support that one condition causes the other, but periodontitis may cause plaque to form in blood vessels and inflammation of the heart. Take preventative measures against heart disease by keeping your mouth free of periodontal disease, which can be avoided by visiting your dentist regularly. Dr. Mulder’s office is committed to comfortable dentistry and your oral health. During your dental examination, your dentist can spot any problem areas before they become painful and infected.

Periodontal Disease and Your Health

Periodontitis is an infection of the gums and bones supporting your teeth. During periodontitis, plaque and tartar buildup causes pockets to form around the teeth and gums. Plaque and tartar becomes trapped in these pockets when the tissue becomes inflamed. If left untreated, periodontitis will continue to deteriorate support structures like gums and bone. As support structures weaken, you will be at greater risk of losing teeth.

Some signs that you may have periodontitis include:

• Gums that are tender to the touch
• Gums bleeding easily
• Bright red or red-purple gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth

Research has shown an association between periodontal disease and stroke, cardiovascular problems, rheumatoid arthritis and arterial blocks.