Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
The mouth has long since been treated as a separate part of the body. But many studies link oral health with overall health and well-being. But what does the mouth and body connection mean and how can you be sure that you’re doing everything that you should to maintain healthy teeth and gums, as well as your overall health? Today on the blog, Dr. Christine Tenaglia shares how dental treatments affect your health and what you can do to keep your body healthy through the years.
It’s important to note that there is not one single action or treatment that promises good health. Instead, you can achieve good overall health by eating a well-balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising regularly. It can be difficult to follow a strict regimen when it comes to these three areas, but striking a balance is key. However, there is one more thing that could make a difference in your health, including reducing your risk of heart disease, insulin resistance, certain types of cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s your mouth!
What does my mouth have to do with my health?
Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. Some bacteria are beneficial, and some are harmful, which are responsible for causing cavities and gum disease. While you may not think that these common oral conditions are that big of a deal. It’s because they provoke an immune system response that leads to systemic inflammation. Studies show that systemic inflammation is the precursor to many life-threatening diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
How do bacteria get from my mouth to my brain or heart?
We are often asked how bacteria from the mouth end up affecting the heart or another vital organ. The answer to that is through your bloodstream. It starts when gum disease develops, which creates periodontal or gum pockets around the base of your teeth. As a result, the gums shrink away from the teeth, collecting even more bacteria that erode the jawbone and eventually enter the bloodstream. Then, the bacteria are carried throughout your body, affecting anything from your heart to your brain, and can even cause an infection in individuals who have received joint replacement surgery or heart stents unless antibiotics are taken prior to receiving dental care. But that does not mean that these individuals are the only ones at risk. Nearly half of the adults in the U.S. have some form of gum disease, which presents as gum inflammation, tenderness, and gums that bleed easily.
How dental treatment protects your health
The best way to protect your oral health and reduce your risk of certain diseases is to practice good oral hygiene and see the dentist regularly, whether you have gum disease or not. In fact, daily brushing and flossing combined with biannual dental cleanings can reduce your risk of gum disease and help preserve your overall health. Furthermore, if you have already been diagnosed with gum disease, the best course of action is to receive professional dental care as soon as possible to stop the disease from progressing and treat any other active infections like cavities as recommended by your dentist. Reducing the harmful oral bacteria in your mouth will have a direct impact on your health. However, you should still eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep so that you can maintain a healthy weight and cardiovascular health.
Comprehensive Dental Care in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan
Dr. Tenaglia is a health-conscious dentist that encourages her patients to live healthy lifestyles, which includes adequate dental hygiene and care when needed. If you would like to learn more about preventive dental care or schedule a consultation, please contact Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733.