Brush and Floss Your Way to Better Overall Health
Brushing and flossing is important to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but did you know that what happens in your mouth effects the rest of your body, as well? Poor oral health could be a sign of diseases elsewhere in the body, and many diseases, such as heart disease, have been linked to periodontal disease.
Why Brush and Floss?
Brushing and flossing reduces the amount of bacteria present in the mouth. Bacteria left too long in the mouth produces acid, which eats away tooth enamel, creating cavities and bad breath, and potentially contributing to other general and life threatening health problems. Eventually, bacteria left for long periods will produce toxins that inflame the gums and cause gingivitis. Gingivitis left untreated will lead to periodontal disease, which affects the bone structure of the teeth and jaw leading to loss.
Oral Health and General Health
The inside of your mouth can be an indicator of health problems elsewhere in your body. Not all of these problems are caused by poor oral health. Many, in fact, are themselves the cause of poor oral health. However, in some diseases, such as heart disease and premature birth, oral bacteria has been shown to be a potential contributor.
• Heart Disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and recent research has shown several species of bacteria that cause periodontal disease are also present in atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to heart attack. Other researchers believe oral bacteria could also damage blood vessels or cause blood clots, because it releases toxins that resemble proteins found in the bloodstream, triggering the immune system to attack.
• Diabetes. While poor oral health won’t cause you to develop diabetes, it can make your diabetes harder to control. Plus, having diabetes increases your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, dry mouth, and oral infections.
• HIV/AIDS. Often, the first signs of AIDS is severe gum infection. However, a gum infection or other oral health problems won’t cause HIV/AIDS. Oral health problems are only a symptom of the disease. Common symptoms include ulcers and other lesions, and dry mouth.
• Osteoporosis. Early stages of bone loss often show up in your teeth and jaw structure. If you develop osteoporosis and begin taking an oral bisphosphonate, alert your dentist, as deterioration of the jaw bone has been associated with taking such drugs.
• Premature Birth. According to the American Dental Hygienist’s Association, women with periodontal disease are 3-5 times more likely to give birth prematurely. Preterm birth can lead to long-term disabilities, such as mental retardation, in the child.
• Anemia. Low iron levels, or anemia, can cause your gums to become pale and sore, and/or your tongue to become swollen and smooth. If you suspect anemia, consult a doctor.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis. People who suffer from RA, an autoimmune disease, are 8 times more likely to have gum disease. The linking factor between RA and periodontal disease is thought to be inflammation.
• Stress. Stress puts a person at risk for oral health problems, as people under stress produce high levels of cortisol, which are associated with increased plaque levels and gingivitis. Regular brushing and flossing helps control the risk factor, however. Stress may also lead a person to grind his or her teeth (bruxism), which can cause headache, jaw pain, and tooth damage.
How-to Brush and Floss
Brush 2 times a day, with a soft bristled brush, for a minimum of 2 minutes each time.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
Floss at least once a day. Brushing alone only removes about 2/3 of the bacteria in your mouth, because bacteria also lives in small spaces between the teeth. Flossing will remove this bacteria.
See a Demonstration from the American Dental Association.
Eat a well-balanced diet, and see your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.
Further Reading
“Heart disease and oral health: role of oral bacteria in heart plaque”
via Harvard Health Publications
“Real connection between oral health and heart disease”
via University of Michigan News Service
“Oral health: A window to your overall health”
via the Mayo Clinic
