Years ago, a physician who suspected a patient had heart disease would probably not refer him to a gum specialist. The same holds true for diabetes and arthritis. Times have changed. The past 5 to 10 years have seen a growing body of research linking the health of your mouth to the overall health of your body.
According to the American Dental Association, 40 percent of people with gum disease also have a chronic health condition. What’s feeding the link? Not taking proper care of your mouth results in bacterial growth, which causes inflammation that not only spurs diseases of the teeth and gums, but can cause problems for other body systems if left unchecked.
Factors Affecting Oral Health
The health of your mouth and teeth is affected by :
-Diet (frequent consumption of processed and high-sugar foods/beverages)
-Stress levels
-Quality of sleep
-Poor digestion
-Deficiencies in minerals and vitamins, and
-Medication.
Living with a chronic health condition can have detrimental effects on oral health. “For example, many medicines … can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, resulting in dry mouth,” says Dr. David Albert, associate professor of clinical dentistry at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. “Patients with asthma often breathe through their mouths, which can result in dry mouth, increased plaque formation, and gingivitis.”
Oral Health Relates To Other Health Concerns Like:
Diabetes.
One complication of diabetes is gum disease that results from impaired blood flow through the blood vessels. When the gums don’t receive sufficient blood flow, they become weak and vulnerable to infection. If diabetes is not properly managed, high glucose levels in the mouth will promote bacterial growth.
Heart disease
Chronic bacterial infection of the gums, or periodontal disease (PD), has been linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers are still examining the exact reasons for this connection, but it has been suggested that PD increases inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease. It’s also possible that bacteria from the mouth travels into the bloodstream and adds to buildup of plaque in the arteries. While there isn’t a direct cause-and-effect relationship, both PD and heart disease share common risk factors including smoking and diabetes.
Arthritis
In a recent small study, bacteria from the mouth was found in synovial (joint) fluid in people with knee arthritis. For some participants in these studies, there was a genetic match between the bacteria in the mouth and that found in the joint fluid. Further research is required.
Natural Oral Hygiene Habits That Benefit The Whole Body
You are the best advocate for the health of your teeth and mouth. On a weekly basis, check inside your mouth for swollen or bleeding gums; foul mouth odor that does not go away; cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth; tooth and/or jaw pain; and sores or lesions on the gums, cheeks, or tongue. Any of these can be symptomatic of more serious health problems and should be brought to the attention of your doctor.
The best way to prevent such problems from developing is to maintain healthy dental hygiene habits:
Eat A Balanced Diet Without Excessive Sweets
As far back as the 1940s, researchers like Weston A. Price observed the role of nutrition in dental and physical health. Price was one of the first to conclude that “foods of commerce,” such as flour, sugar, and processed food products cause nutritional deficiencies (especially in vitamins and minerals) that result in dental and general health problems.
Don’t Smoke Or Use Even Smokeless Tobacco Products.
Brush at least twice daily–after breakfast and before bedtime. Floss daily. Brush the tongue. Replace your toothbrush at least every three to four months.
Drink Plenty Of Water
As with everything, water is important for oral health and hygiene.
Chew Sugarless Gum
Chew gum between meals, especially if you cannot brush teeth. Chewing helps dislodge foods between the teeth and increases saliva flow to neutralize mouth acids.
Dental Appointments
Schedule regular dental visits, usually every six months.
