Oral Hygiene and the Health of the Body

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oral health

Years ago, a physician who suspected a patient had heart disease would probably not refer him to a gum specialist. The same holds true for diabetes and arthritis. Times have changed. The past 5 to 10 years have seen a growing body of research linking the health of your mouth to the overall health of your body. According to the American Dental Association, 40 percent of people with gum disease also have a chronic health condition. What's feeding the link? Not taking proper care of your mouth results in bacterial growth, which causes inflammation that not only spurs diseases of the teeth and gums, but can cause problems for other body systems if left unchecked. Oral problems can also be a symptom of other diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

Several factors can affect oral health--it's not just about brushing and flossing. The health of your mouth and teeth is affected by diet (frequent consumption of processed and high-sugar foods/beverages), stress levels, quality of sleep, poor digestion, deficiencies in minerals and vitamins, and medication.

Living with a chronic health condition can have detrimental effects on oral health. "For example, many medicines ... can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, resulting in dry mouth," says Dr. David Albert, associate professor of clinical dentistry at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. "Patients with asthma often breathe through their mouths, which can result in dry mouth, increased plaque formation, and gingivitis." 

As previously mentioned, oral health has been related to several other health concerns.

Diabetes. One complication of diabetes is gum disease that results from impaired blood flow through the blood vessels. When the gums don't receive sufficient blood flow, they become weak and vulnerable to infection. If diabetes is not properly managed, high glucose levels in the mouth will promote bacterial growth.

Heart disease. Chronic bacterial infection of the gums, or periodontal disease (PD), has been linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers are still examining the exact reasons for this connection, but it has been suggested that PD increases inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease. It's also possible that bacteria from the mouth travels into the bloodstream and adds to buildup of plaque in the arteries. While there isn't a direct cause-and-effect relationship, both PD and heart disease share common risk factors including smoking and diabetes.

Arthritis. In a recent small study, bacteria from the mouth was found in synovial (joint) fluid in people with knee arthritis. For some participants in these studies, there was a genetic match between the bacteria in the mouth and that found in the joint fluid. Further research is required.

Oral Hygiene Habits that Benefit the Whole Body
You are the best advocate for the health of your teeth and mouth. On a weekly basis, check inside your mouth for swollen or bleeding gums; foul mouth odor that does not go away; cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth; tooth and/or jaw pain; and sores or lesions on the gums, cheeks, or tongue. Any of these can be symptomatic of more serious health problems and should be brought to the attention of your doctor. The best way to prevent such problems from developing is to maintain healthy dental hygiene habits:

  • Eat a balanced diet without excessive sweets. As far back as the 1940s, researchers like Weston A. Price observed the role of nutrition in dental and physical health. Price was one of the first to conclude that "foods of commerce," such as flour, sugar, and processed food products cause nutritional deficiencies (especially in vitamins and minerals) that result in dental and general health problems.
  • Don't smoke or use smokeless tobacco products.
  • Brush at least twice daily--after breakfast and before bedtime. Floss daily. Brush the tongue. Replace your toothbrush at least every three to four months.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Schedule regular dental visits, usually every six months.

Reference
Simple Steps to Better Dental Health. "Eight Steps to Dental Health." Updated June 27, 2014.

Resources

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Food for Healthy Teeth

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healthy teeth

What you eat and how often you eat play an important role in the health of your teeth and preventing cavities. Research shows that children who have healthy dietary practices are 44 percent less likely to exhibit severe dental caries in early childhood compared to children with poor diets.1 For adults, a healthy diet can protect tooth enamel and result in fewer trips to the dentist.

The moment you place food in your mouth, bacteria in the mouth turns sugars and carbohydrates from food into acids. These acids erode the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. The more often you eat, the more you are exposing your teeth to the cycle of decay. To promote mouth and tooth health, pay attention to the types of foods you're eating.

Worst Foods for Teeth
Hard candies and mints, fruit "chews," dried fruit bits (except raisins), cookies, pretzels, and potato chips all have high sugar content that bacteria feeds on. Soda, sports drinks, sweetened coffee and tea contribute to the breakdown of enamel. Sugar-substitutes such as Splenda and aspartame don't react on teeth the same way as natural sugar, but these artificial sweeteners aren't a healthy staple for anyone's diet. Read food labels: Sugar-free does not always mean a food does not contain sugar; it may mean additional sugar has not been added. Many sugar-free products contain fructose, sucrose, maple or rice syrup, which can be just as bad for teeth.

Best Foods for Teeth
Chicken and lean meats, nuts, plain yogurt, and milk or almond milk all contain calcium and phosphorous, two nutrients thought to protect tooth enamel and to remineralize teeth. Other great food choices include leafy greens, fish, and eggs.

Hard, crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, carrots, and broccoli all have a high water content that stimulates saliva and helps wash away food particles and acid. However, citrus fruits and tomatoes are more acidic and should be eaten with other foods (e.g., a turkey sandwich with tomato slices; orange slices with a few almonds). When it comes to beverages, your best choice is water followed by unsweetened tea. And about those raisins ... the sweet, bite-sized raisin does not contain sucrose (table sugar), plus it is rich in phytochemicals that, in some studies, have been shown to affect the growth of bacteria associated with gum disease.

Resources

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Oil Pulling

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oil pulling

Oil pulling, also known as "kavala" or "gundusha," is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This action is believed to draw out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health, but also to improve your overall health.

It may be an ancient health practice, but it is getting the attention of modern science. Recent studies show that oil pulling helps heal gingivitis, control plaque, and reduce microorganisms that cause bad breath. How? In a recent WebMD article, Jessica T. Emery, DMD, explains, "Most microorganisms inhabiting the mouth consist of a single cell. Cells are covered with a lipid, or fatty, membrane, which is the cell's skin. When these cells come into contact with oil, a fat, they naturally adhere to each other."

Incorporate Oil Pulling into Your Dental Health Routine. Oil pulling traditionally has used sesame oil, but sunflower and coconut oil are very good to use. Coconut oil in particular has the extra benefit of containing antimicrobial agents. It may also be more palatable for some people.

Start with five minutes a day; build up to 20 minutes daily. Swishing with oil is an unusual sensation--it will take some time to get used to it. Start with five minutes of daily swishing and increase by five minutes, over a few weeks.

Use small amounts of oil. You don't need a big mouthful for oil pulling to be beneficial. If you find you are swallowing oil (which you should not do), then spit it out and use a smaller amount.

Continue routine dental care. Oil pulling should not replace routine dental hygiene. Continue to brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily.

Resources

  • Singh, A., and B. Purohit. "Tooth Brushing, Oil Pulling, and Tissue Regeneration: A Review of Holistic Approaches to Oral Health." Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine 2, no. 2 (April 2011): 64-68. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.82525.
  • WebMD. "Should You Try Oil Pulling?" Reviewed June 4, 2014.

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