Dentists and doctors over the last decade believe there is a connection between our body health and dental health. There are now dozens of peer-reviewed articles by medical professionals linking gum disease with chronic illnesses in our bodies.

The Mouth-Body Connection

When we think about improving our overall health, most of us don’t think about oral health first.  The truth is that a lot of us think of our teeth the same way we think about other cosmetic features like our nails and hair. Grocery store aisles and mall kiosks are full of whitening products. We just don’t place the critical attention on our oral health that we do on the rest of our body.

Just how much of a difference can it make? Some doctors say that having a healthy mouth can add as many as six years to your lifespan! Taking care of your teeth and gums can significantly improve the quality of those years as well.

Don’t Think This is Relevant to You?

According to the Center for Disease Control, “One out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease. In adults 65 and older, prevalence rates increase to 70.1 percent.” We can all do a better job taking care of ourselves.

Mouth-Body Bacterial Transfer

What happens in your mouth does not actually stay in your mouth! The mouth is one of the most significant pathways for bacteria to enter into our body. There are actually several ways that harmful oral bacteria can spread into the rest of our body. Let’s take a look at some of them.

1. Harmful oral bacteria can be ingested or swallowed. While we sleep, our bodies go into a cleaning and renewing cycle. During that cycle, our mouths are generally stagnant. Saliva does not circulate which leads to waking up to high levels of bacteria.  When we swallow, even from a clean glass of water, the bacteria enters our body.
2. Passive absorption is a significant factor in the transfer of harmful bacteria into our bloodstream. Our mouths were intended to absorb a great deal of nutrients and foods, it is coated in mucous membranes and has a high concentration of capillaries near the surface. The mouth is actually one of the body’s most absorbent organs.
3. According to the Journal of Periodontology, “The mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during normal oral functions.” The infection can get worse when oral plaque solidifies into tartar and makes contact with our gums. Our impaired gum line, due to the tartar, can allow harmful oral bacteria to enter into our blood. Having oral bacteria in our blood might not seem like a significant part of our bodies overall function. But, its presence can directly add inflammation to the body. The swelling caused by inflammation restricts our cardiovascular flow and promotes and magnifies aging and disease.

These are just a few of the many ways that harmful oral bacteria is being shown to affect our bodies with a variety of health issues including; heart disease, strokes, diabetes, respiratory problems, pregnancy complications, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and even memory loss.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Fortunately for all of us, Periodontic medicine is proving to us that we have far more control over our overall health than we previously realized. Given that those with severe Periodontal disease are 40% more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, preventing oral disease can make a lasting and significant impact on our lives. Here are a few simple steps you can take between now and your next appointment;

1. Rinse, swish and spit in the morning to get rid of excess bacteria before eating, drinking or swallowing.
2. Brush at least twice a day.
3. Floss every day.
4. Avoid eating sugar or carb-heavy foods.
5. Add lots of vegetables to your diet.

What Should You Do Now?

At North Royalton Family Dentistry, we care about your dental and overall health. We fully believe that a healthy mouth is directly related to a healthy body. To help you achieve a beautiful smile, and a healthier life, we offer services for general dentistry, like fillings, cleanings, and other tooth restorations. If you feel like you might be suffering due to gum disease or aren’t sure how to tell, please contact us immediately to schedule an appointment.

Have you ever heard the saying “Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.”? Well life is also wonderful and it’s even more wonderful when you have a beautiful smile. Here’s some advice to help keep those pearly whites healthy and strong and stay in your mouth for a long time to come.

1. Oral Hygiene is #1

   The state of your oral health is a good indicator of your overall health. Healthy teeth and gums are directly related to having a healthy cardiovascular system.

2. Floss Daily

   Flossing is so important! We know it can be easy to forget to do it and it’s easy to think that it won’t matter. But it matters so much. Do it every day. It will take out food particles and plaque that can cause cavities and other dental issues.

3. We Understand Your Worries

   The dentist office can be a nerve racking experience for some. It’s important to be confident in the dentist office you are choosing and there are many choices out there. Let the friendly faces at North Royalton Family Dental help you to have a calm and enjoyable experience.

4. Teach Them Young

   Children learn by example. Show your kids how important and fun it can be to take care of their teeth. It is a life-long skill, that if done correctly, will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

5. X-Rays are Safe

   Dental x-rays use an incredibly low amount of radiation. The risk of skipping x-rays is greater than having them taken at regular checkups. They should be an important part of maintaining your dental health.

6. Chew Gum!

   Well, gum that contains xylitol that is. Chewing gum which contains xylitol has been proven to actually help prevent cavities.

7. Go to the Dentist Often

   Stay current with your dental checkups and procedures. Remember, your dental health is a good indicator of your overall health. Your mouth will thank you.

8. Don’t Ignore Bleeding Gums

   Bleeding gums can be a sign of something worse going on and can be the first sign of gum disease. Give us a call and we can determine if it is a sign of something more serious.

9. Say No to Soft Drinks

   Unfortunately, soda is not very good for the health of your teeth. The ingredients can erode and weaken your teeth. If you must drink it, remember to rinse and brush afterward.

10. Eat a Healthy Diet

    What doesn’t a healthy diet help with, right? Eating foods generally considered to be healthy will minimize the chance of getting cavities and can help promote healthy gums.

We want to see your beautiful smile. Call North Royalton Family Dental today and we will make sure you have an amazing experience.