Oral health — taking good care of your teeth and gums — not only helps keep your mouth healthy. Growing medical evidence shows a connection between oral health and your overall health.
In fact, there is a strong link between oral health problems and other conditions like heart disease and diabetes. How, you ask?
The role of bacteria
Like the rest of your body, your mouth has plenty of bacteria — most of it “good.” Careful daily brushing and flossing help to keep the good bacteria in balance and any bad bacteria under control.
When harmful bacteria get out of control, it may lead to oral health problems. These include tooth decay or periodontal disease (disease of the gums and bone that support the teeth). And if these conditions aren’t treated, even more serious problems can arise.
Certain medications can affect the balance of bacteria in your mouth, too. For example, some medicines lower saliva production. Less saliva can throw off the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth. Drinking too much alcohol and smoking can also cause dry mouth (not to mention so many other health problems.) Some dental procedures can release harmful bacteria into the bloodstream.
The link to other conditions
When harmful bacteria are released into the bloodstream, it can cause problems elsewhere. Research shows a strong connection to heart disease, stroke and diabetes in particular.
What to do
The good news is that gum disease is preventable. And if you have gum disease, it can be treated.
Healthy oral habits, better overall health
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss daily.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
- Visit your dentist for an exam and a cleaning twice a year, or as often as your dentist recommends.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- If you have a heart problem, diabetes or another chronic condition, be sure that your dentist knows.
- Carefully follow the instructions of your doctor and dentist when they prescribe special medications, such as antibiotics.
Warning signs of potential gum disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Loose gums or separating teeth
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
-sampan.org
