Poor oral health affects your entire body. Your East Greenbush Dentist, Dr. J Craig Alexander, can’t stress the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Brushing twice and flossing once a day will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

How is Oral Health Connected to Overall Health?

Poor oral hygiene habits mean more bacteria and plaque. If you don’t brush, that sticky film on your teeth with converts to tartar, which can only be removed by your East Greenbush Dentist. Brushing removes food particles and bacteria that if allowed to continue, will get in-between your teeth and gums.

Those pockets that form from poor oral hygiene allow food particles and bacteria to seep into your bloodstream. Research shows that the plaque attaches itself to your blood vessels restricting the flow of blood to your heart.

What Diseases Can Poor Oral Hygiene Lead To?

• Endocarditis
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Problems with Pregnancy and Birth

Endocarditis affects the lining of your heart and occurs when germs from other parts of your body spread to the endocardium. Because mouth bacteria are easily spread it can cause heart damage. Consequently. poor oral health is bad for your heart.

Cardiovascular Disease has been linked to oral infections and inflammation that is a direct result of gum disease and tooth decay. Studies show a link between clogged arteries and stroke.

Birth and Pregnancy Problems with Poor Oral Health

Women with periodontal disease have a higher risk of premature birth or giving birth to low weight babies. Women who are expecting must pay close attention to oral hygiene. On top of brushing and flossing, it is important to schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist in East Greenbush.

Other Conditions That Affect Poor Oral Health Include:

• HIV/Aids
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Some health disorders that affect Teeth and Gums Include:
• Arthritis
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Immune Disorders
• Dry Mouth
• Eating Disorders

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in East Greenbush who can help you stay on the road to good health with regular dental checkups.

Avoid poor oral health and make schedule your dental checkup today.

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Yo Yo dieting and trying all kinds of diets can cause problems for your teeth and gums. Choosing the right kind of diet will shrink your waistline, but also keep your teeth and gums healthy.

According to Dr. J Craig Alexander, some of the most popular diets in the world are the worst for your teeth.

Ketogenic and Low-Carb Diets

If your breath starts smelling like old fruit or acetone, that scent you get from nail polish remover, your body is burning fat. Otherwise known as ketosis, the process allows your body to burn fat for fuel. When this occurs, your body releases chemicals known as ketones.

You can curb keto breath by brushing your teeth and your tongue. Chew on mint or parsley, and though it is forbidden on the Keto Diet, add a few carbs. Surprisingly, carbohydrates will make your breath sweet again.

Low Fat Diets

Diets that are low in fat inhibit fat-soluble vitamin absorption. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are vital for oral health. Fat also helps your body absorb teeth and bone building calcium. If you can’t absorb calcium, your bones and teeth will begin to break down.

Low fat diets that are lacking in essential omega-3 fatty acids cause anxiety and stress levels to rise. Stress can cause bruxism, which could lead to TMJ disorders.

Low Calorie Diets

Dr. Alexander explains that cutting out calories will help you lose weight. Consequently reducing your intake of food depletes your body of much needed nutrients that feed your teeth and gums. Malnutrition can soften the enamel and cause problems for your gum tissue. If this occurs, you could lose your teeth.

Fruit Detox

Although it may seem like a good idea, surviving on fruits can cause malnutrition, gum disease, and tooth decay. Fruit contains high levels of acid and sugar, which will damage the enamel on your teeth.

If you are surviving on fruit, keep the citrus to a minimum and add some veggies to the diet.

Diet Pills

Diet pills cause dry mouth. Dry mouth affects saliva flow and leads to a variety of dental problems. Without saliva, your mouth cannot fight bad bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Saliva also helps to wash away food. Without it, you will succumb to dental caries and gingivitis, or the more serious periodontal disease.

If you are dieting, it is always a good idea to see your dentist. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in New York.

Don’t you want a beautiful smile to go along with your new body? Call and schedule a dental checkup with your East Greenbush Dentist, Dr. J Craig Alexander today.

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