Your Mouth Might Be Making Your Body Sick – How Dental Hygiene Impacts Overall Health

Your mouth talks to your body…and your body talks to your mouth. If you listen closely you will hear them say, “let’s help each other, we’re all on the same team.”

You may have heard that oral health has been linked to various diseases and conditions, but how exactly are they related?

Our mouths are filled with bacteria. If bacteria is not properly managed, it can cause inflammation and infections that have the potential to spread throughout the body. Poor oral health has been shown to contribute to health issues like cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections. It can even impact keeping diabetes in control.

Everything that enters our mouth deposits toxins on our tongue, teeth and gums leaving bacteria, germs, and food particles that take a field trip around our teeth, into our gums, and down our throat. If we don’t cleanse away these toxins, they get reabsorbed by the body.

Your mouth can also warn you that your body is suffering from emotional stress. Teeth grinding and clenching is sometimes caused by anxiety or stress and can damage your teeth.

Nearly 50% of all adults aged 30 or older—about 65 million people—have signs of gum disease. The good news is that simple changes at home and a great relationship with your dental hygienist can have a positive effect as early as today! So let’s get started.

Simple steps for dental hygiene that will support your overall health:

Eat for oral health. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts may strengthen immunity and improve the body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, which can help protect the teeth and gums. Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery naturally clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.

On the flipside, cavity-causing organisms feed on sugar in foods such as soda and candy and convert it to acid, which attacks tooth enamel and causes decay. Carbohydrates like bread, potato chips, and pasta break down into sugars which kick-start acid production with bad bacteria.

Always hydrate! Aside from all the health benefits, water flushes the mouth of toxins, bacteria, and stowaway food particles.

Work on techniques to reduce mouth breathing. Yoga can help with this. Mouth breathing affects pH levels which can lead to cavities and gingivitis.

Brush at least two times a day. Brush for two minutes a session.

Change your toothbrush every three months. Toothbrushes remain wet between brushes and accumulate bacteria. It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush after a virus.

Floss at bedtime, at the least, but it’s preferable to keep floss with you to use after meals.

Get regular cleanings. Schedule a date with your dental hygienist two times a year.

By Ashley Griffiths, Registered Hygienist at Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentist