Healthy Mouth, Healthy You

Taking good care of your teeth and gums does more than ensure you have a bright smile. A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand.

Four ways that having a clean, healthy mouth benefits your overall health:

1. May lower risk of heart disease
New studies suggest that people who have gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks. The current theory is that the bacteria present in infected gums can become loose and move throughout your body. Infected gums bleed, making it easier for bacteria to enter your blood stream and travel to your arteries. Once it has accumulated in the arteries, it can affect the blood flow to your heart, which can cause a heart attack.

2. Increases self-esteem and confidence
Bad breath or decayed teeth as a result of poor hygiene can affect your self-image. With a healthy mouth that is free of gum disease and cavities, your quality of life is also bound to be better. You will be able to eat properly, sleep better, and concentrate with no aching teeth to distract you. And of course, you will be able to smile with confidence, knowing you have a beautiful, healthy smile

3. Preserves your memory
Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than did those with healthier gums and mouths, according to a report in the Journal of Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Older people have more reason to keep brushing and flossing; you will not only be more likely to keep your teeth, but also may reduce the risk of memory loss.

4. Helps regulate blood sugar levels
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are three to four times more likely to develop periodontal disease (gum disease), with a higher rate of more severe levels of bone loss and gum infection. Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for you to control your blood sugar. In fact, your body's reactions to gum disease can increase your blood sugar level. It is important for patients with diabetes to treat and eliminate periodontal infection for optimal diabetes control.

Tips to keep your mouth and body healthy:

• Healthy Diet
  The food you eat and drinks you drink affect both your body and your mouth. Include foods high in calcium and protein to prevent tooth decay and protect tooth enamel. Avoid foods and drinks that are obviously unhealthy for you such as candy, chips, and soda as these things will cause cavities and tooth decay.
• Drink a lot of water
  Drink water instead of drinks high in sugar to prevent tooth decay. Drinks high in sugar, like soda or sports drinks cause tooth decay and cavities.
• Exercise regularly
  Exercising not only benefits your overall health but also your oral health. Studies show that people who exercise regularly are less likely to have gum disease.

All of these things affect the overall health of your body and are vital to staying healthy and strong. Your dental care routine is also important to maintaining a healthy body. Make sure you brush on a regular basis to prevent plaque from forming and bacteria from eroding your teeth. You should also be flossing regularly to keep your gums clean and to prevent gingivitis or gum disease, which is the leading cause of losing teeth and has been linked to issues with your overall health, such as heart disease. It is also important to regularly see your dentist for a dental cleaning and checkup exam. Not only will the hygienist professionally clean your teeth, your dentist will also be able to detect any oral issues that might cause you pain or discomfort in the future and restore what needs to be fixed.

At Oak Ridge Dental Arts, your health is our number one priority. Give us a call today and let us help you achieve the optimal dental health you deserve.