Put Your Health Where Your Mouth Is! (Part Two)

The mouth-body connection is a new finding that is changing the way we view our oral health and making it front and center in terms of healthcare.

We are now discovering that what is going on in the mouth no longer exists on its own but is intimately connected with the health of the body. The mouth holds clues that were unrealized before now and may hold the key to understanding infection, inflammation and diseases.

Let us continue to look at what the mouth-body connection could mean for your health …

Oral Health and Heart Disease

At present the jury has not come back on whether oral health and heart disease are related in any way. However the American Heart Association has found through a number of research studies that poor oral health could increase your chances of developing heart disease. It is theorized that it is the bacteria, or the inflammatory response caused by the bacteria, that causes plaque buildup in blood vessels and inflammation to develop around the heart. Until a  clear link can be established between heart health and oral health, your best protection is to brush and floss your teeth regularly and get professional cleanings at least twice a year.

Oral Health and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones over time and makes them less dense. This is related to a loss of the mineral calcium. Osteoporosis could also be the cause of tooth loss in some individuals. The jaw is a bone which holds the teeth in place. It can be as vulnerable to osteoporosis as can all of the other bones in the human body. If the jaw become weaker and less dense then the risk of losing teeth becomes that much greater.

If you already have been diagnosed with osteoporosis then you will want to be extremely conscientious when it comes to your daily ritual of brushing after every meal and flossing before bedtime. If you develop periodontal disease then this can add insult to injury and make a bad problem that much worse. You are already losing bone mass but the two diseases combined could put you in a higher risk category for losing teeth.

Women who suffer from osteoporosis are three times more likely to risk tooth loss than are those who do not have the disease. To help prevent getting this disease you should eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and take a calcium and vitamin D supplement.

Oral Health and Women’s Special Concerns

Due to hormonal ups and downs throughout their lives, women are particularly vulnerable to developing oral health problems in the form of gum disease and/or periodontal disease. High hormone levels in the body can cause inflammation in the gums that surround the teeth. Puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can all cause hormones to increase to greater levels than normal. High hormone levels can cause females to be more sensitive to even a small percentage of bacteria or plaque on the teeth. That is why above average dental care is strongly recommended for all women.

At present a link between periodontal disease and being pregnant has been established that shows that this oral disease could put your unborn baby at risk. Maternal periodontal disease has been associated with preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Now that you understand the significance of the mouth-body connection your oral health should take on a whole new meaning. Open up now and see what it is telling you about the condition your body is in.

Samantha

Read Full Post »

Put Your Health Where Your Mouth Is! (Part One)

More and more evidence points to the fact that your mouth holds the secret to your overall level of health.

You have probably heard of the mind-body connection, but how about the mouth-body connection? Also sometimes referred to as the oral-body health connection, research shows that the condition of your teeth and gums holds secrets to what is really happening inside your body. In fact your next visit to the dentist may speak volumes about your health and your well-being.

Open your mouth and allow it to reveal clues to what is working well and what could use a tune-up. Compare it to the workings of a car and it should be easy to comprehend.

Researchers have begun to zero in on the connection that exists between gum disease, cavities and heart disease. At the present time no link has been clearly established but studies are ongoing. There are diseases however that have been found to be associated with a higher than average risk of developing any number of infections. For example, loose teeth could be a symptom of osteoporosis while those who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience gingival and periodontal infections and inflammation.

Let us take a closer look at what the mouth-body connection could mean for you …

Oral Health and Smoking

Here is a good place to start. If you think you can hide your smoking habit from your dentist then think again. Your yellow stained teeth will give you away immediately! Smokers are at a greater risk for any oral problem as compared to non-smokers. Tooth loss is the number one concern. Talk about a way to ruin a lovely smile! An estimated 41 percent of those over the age of 65 who smoke on a daily basis are toothless. Smoking can also lead to a greater level of calculus on the teeth. It can lead to mouth sores, deep pockets between the teeth and gums, loss of bone and tissue and the risk of oral cancer.

Oral Heath and Diabetes

Diabetes is the one disease that the medical community is well aware can affect the condition of the bones and gums that surround the teeth. This is because of blood sugar. If your blood sugar level is not being controlled in the body then it will also be out of whack in your mouth. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar and then attack the enamel that protects the teeth. Over time this can wear down the teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities.

Diabetes that is out of control can weaken the body’s ability to fight off infection with its white blood cells which can then make your oral health problematic. High blood sugar levels lead to higher than average levels of bacteria which can open the door wide to gum disease or periodontal disease.

Individuals with diabetes need to work closely with their dentist to ensure the best oral health possible. They also need to do their part at home to take care of their teeth and gums by brushing and flossing regularly.

Continue on to part two of this post to learn more about the mouth-body connection.

Samantha

Read Full Post »