For years having a failing organ meant a slow and steady decline in your quality of life until you eventually died. There was nothing that medical science could do to resolve this complex situation. Modern medicine has changed this reality by making it possible to provide a new, healthy organ from a donor. Recipients of these organs must pass a rigorous qualification and tolerate a life-long regimen of immunosuppressant therapy. A variety of factors impact the success rate of organ transplants. Recent studies have suggested that the state of our oral health may be one of them. Bluejay Family Dental is here to help patients navigate the challenging reality of organ transplant by ensuring they have the best oral health possible.
The Essential Nature Of Oral Health in Transplant Patients
While many strict guidelines surround selecting a patient for transplant, oral health is not among them. However, as we mentioned above, ongoing studies correlate good oral health with higher rates of transplant success. When dental decay and gum disease go untreated, the success rate of organ transplant trends is lower. Further, the inflammation and triggering of the immune system tend to be higher. Further, associated risks such as heart disease tend to come on faster and be more severe.
All of this points to good oral health being an essential part o ensuring you have the best chance of success with your organ transplant. Further, the long-term nature of your health will also be improved if you’re certain to keep your oral health in check. If you want to be proactive about ensuring your best results, there are four things you can do to improve your oral health.
- Dental Cleanings – Professional dental cleanings can produce results that aren’t possible with a home regimen. Even the most committed individual cannot ensure that every nook and cranny of their teeth is reached during home hygiene. When plaque gets left behind, it can lead to the formation of tartar, or calculus, a hard substance that requires professional assistance to remove fully.
- Restoration Treatment – If you’re currently struggling with oral health concerns, our dental team is available to help address those issues. It’s critical that these are corrected and treated before your transplant date if at all possible. Gum disease, dental decay, root canals, and extraction of non-restorable teeth are all part of this process.
- Good Oral Hygiene – If your oral health is already in good shape, it’s important that you take steps to make sure it stays that way. This is best achieved through regular dental hygiene involving flossing and brushing and a commitment to seeing our team at least twice a year for regular preventative care.
In addition, you should consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your regimen. This will help keep tooth decay under control and prevent the formation of plaque and gum disease.
Contact Bluejay Family Dental To Learn More
If you’re preparing to undergo an organ transplant and want to make sure you have the best oral health possible, call our offices today. You can reach us at (712) 256-6263 or by stopping in at our clinic in Council Bluffs, IA.