Oral Health Impacts your Overall Health!

Did you know that your oral health can give insight on your overall health? Problems in the mouth can impact the rest of your body!

Here's the breakdown:

Like other areas of the body - the mouth is full of germs. These germs are mostly harmless - but the mouth is the entry way to the digestive tract AND the entry way to organs in the respiratory tract. This is why, sometimes, germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body. The body's natural defenses & good oral care keep these germs under control. Good oral care = daily brushing + flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that could lead to infections - like tooth decay & gum disease.

Additionally, some medications (like decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills, and antidepressants) lower the amount of saliva. Saliva is used to wash away food and keep mouth bacteria in balance - keeping these germs from spreading & causing disease. Oral germs, swelling, and irritation leads to inflammation, which is linked to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Studies are showing that these germs & inflammation might play a role in some diseases, including:

• Endocarditis: aka a rare infection of the inner lining of heart chambers or valves. This usually happens when germs from another part of the body (like the mouth) spread through the blood and attach to certain areas of the heart.
• Cardiovascular disease: some research is showing that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause.
• Pregnancy and birth complication: periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
• Pneumonia: certain germs of the mouth can go into the lungs which could cause pneumonia & other respiratory diseases.
• Cancers: a number of cancers have been linked to gum disease, including cancers of the mouth, GI tract, lungs, breast, prostate gland, and uterus.

Certain health conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, and even eating disorders can impact oral health. Be sure to tell your dentist about the medications you take and any changes in your overall health including recent illnesses or other ongoing conditions you may have.

Luckily - we can take steps to protect our oral health! How?

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily for 2 minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste (click here for information about fluoride concerns). Be sure to brush your tongue too.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser, or other products made for that purpose.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food & drinks.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Replace sooner if bristles are worn or flare out.
• See a dentist at least once a year for check ups & cleanings. Most insurances cover 2 dentist visits per year. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleaning more often, depending on your situation.
• Avoid tobacco/vaping/zyn patches to avoid gum decay.

As always, check with an oral health professional before committing to health trends or lifestyle changes (ex: supplement use, mouth taping, oil pulling, teeth whitening brand and methods, etc.).