Health Issues That Can Affect Your Oral Health

August 5, 2019

Our overall and oral health is tightly connected, even if it may not seem so. Both can affect the other, whether it be positively or negatively. To lead a healthy, fulfilling life, we must take care of not only our body but also our mouth! Contacting your dentist for more information regarding different health issues you have and their effects on your oral health can help you get your health back on track and have you feeling better than ever before.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, can have detrimental effects on our dental health. It is a condition which entails stomach acids travelling up the oesophagus (throat), sometimes ending in the mouth. These acids can be dangerous, and in extreme cases, can even lead to oesophageal cancer.

Within the confines of the mouth, acid reflux could lead to tooth erosion as well as periodontal issues.

After being diagnosed with acid reflux, patients should follow their physician’s advice and instructions when it comes to controlling their stomach acid. In many cases, medical professionals will recommend avoiding citrus or acidic foods like tomatoes, raw onions, chocolate, alcohol, and coffee. If the condition is particularly severe and your dental health is suffering, a physician may also prescribe medication to get your reflux under control, decreasing the amount of acid produced in excess.

Stomach ulcers

Health professionals previously believed that stomach ulcers were only the direct result of an overproduction of stomach acid, which destroyed the stomach’s walls. Previous treatment for ulcers entailed only controlling the amount of acid produced.

But recently, researchers discovered that certain bacteria in the mouth, caused by poor dental hygiene, may actually lead to stomach ulcers. The bacteria believed to play a role in stomach ulcer production are common among individuals with infected gum tissue.

Therefore, it is crucial to take care of our dental health to avoid any further, seemingly unrelated health conditions. Destructive bacteria that forms in the mouth can spread across the body and harm our well-being.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is a hard condition to live with on its own, paired with chronic dental issues such as cavities or gum disease; it only gets harder. As another infection grows in your mouth, your body will have to take and use some of its valuable resources towards fighting the dental disease, instead of working to improve the status of your kidneys. While fighting off additional dental disease, you may end up in the hospital more often than normal since your immune system is impaired.

Patients with kidney disease on dialysis may receive blood-thinning medications to prevent clotting. But this can pose problems during dental surgeries and make getting dental work more dangerous.

Diabetes

Diabetes is another medical condition that can wreak havoc on our smiles and general dental health. Diabetics are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop periodontal disease in their lifetimes. Periodontal disease is when various bacteria severely infect the gum tissue.

Diabetes, especially when undetected, can cause persistent bad breath resulting in low self-confidence.

If you have diabetes and notice that your gums are red, swollen, and sore to the touch, inform your dentist in Milton Keynes right away. They will schedule an emergency check up to see if you have gum disease. Should you, in fact, have periodontal disease, your dentist will create a treatment plan with your kidney disease in mind. In most cases, complex surgeries will be avoided as much as possible, and certainly when the patient is on dialysis.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure and related cardiovascular diseases have a strong connection with periodontal disease. When the gum tissue is inflamed, the blood vessels thicken and are filled with plaque, effectively decreasing your blood flow.

A decreased blood flow, along with high blood pressure, dramatically increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you have any medical conditions, tell your dentist at your check-up so your medical records can be updated. Armoured with your complete medical history, your dentist can make informed decisions about your future treatment plans as well as look for any developing issues.

Guest Post by Susan Louisa

Self-Care for Busy Professionals: Striking the Work-Life Balance

Madhuri Saikia

September 14, 2024

Juggling a demanding career often leaves little room for self-care. However, prioritizing your well-being is crucial for long-term success and your happiness.

Here are some practical strategies to incorporate self-care into your busy schedule:

Mastering Time Management:

Create a realistic schedule: Plan your day with dedicated time slots for work, personal tasks, and self-care activities. Utilize tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay organized and avoid overbooking yourself.
Prioritize ruthlessly: Identify the most important tasks and allocate time accordingly. Learn to say “no” to additional commitments that might overload your schedule.
Delegate and automate: Whenever possible, delegate tasks to colleagues or utilize technology to automate repetitive processes. This frees up valuable time for more important matters.

Setting Healthy Boundaries:

Establish clear work hours: Set specific times for starting and ending your workday. Avoid checking work emails or calls outside these designated hours.
Communicate effectively: Inform colleagues and clients about your work hours and boundaries. This helps manage expectations and prevents work from encroaching on personal time.
Learn to disconnect: Switch off your work phone and resist the urge to check emails constantly. Dedicate time to be fully present in your personal life.

Stress-Reduction Techniques:

Short breaks throughout the day: Schedule short breaks every 60-90 minutes to step away from your desk. Take a walk, stretch, or simply close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Mindfulness practices: Incorporate short mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing into your routine. These practices can help manage stress and improve focus.
Physical activity: Regular exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Even a brisk walk or a quick workout can significantly boost your mood and energy levels.

Taking Care of Your Skin:

Simple skincare routine: Maintaining a basic skincare routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Focus on the essentials: cleanse your face twice daily, moisturize regularly, and always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day.

For a convenient and clean option, consider Earthraga’s range of sunscreens formulated with plant-derived ingredients. Free from unwanted toxins, they offer effective sun protection while being gentle on your skin.

Earthraga also offers a variety of face, hair, bath, and body care products, allowing you to create a complete self-care routine that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule. Remember, self-care is a continuous process, not a one-time event. By implementing these strategies and tailoring them to your needs, you can achieve a better work-life balance and create a more fulfilling and sustainable professional journey.

Remember, self-care is a continuous process, not a one-time event. By implementing these strategies and tailoring them to your needs, you can achieve a better work-life balance and create a more fulfilling and sustainable professional journey.

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