By Karen Smith A visit to the dentist was never one of my favorite places to go. If you’re honest, I think you would agree that it is probably not one of your favorite places to visit either. Growing up, a visit to the dentist was primarily had when a problem arose—like a cavity or toothache—or perhaps if the school requested a visit should be made. Other than these, the importance of routine oral care was not dinner-table discussion. It was not until I got older and began to read and study health-related topics that I truly started to understood the importance of oral care. Did you know that your mouth is a gateway to the health of your body—or that problems in your mouth can affect other areas of your body? Research has shown that decline in your oral health, which leads to inflammation, is associated with several diseases. What can you do about it? Oral health and overall health: What’s the connection? Your mouth is filled with bacteria—mostly harmless—and it’s kept under control with proper oral hygiene. However, bacteria can build up on teeth which make gums open to infection. The immune system moves in to fight the infection which causes inflammation. If the infection is not brought under control, the inflammation will continue and can lead to dental caries or severe gum disease, known as periodontitis. Inflammation also affects other parts of the body. In addition, certain medications-- such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants1—can reduce your ability to produce saliva. Saliva helps to wash away food and to neutralize bacterial acids that promote bacterial overgrowth that may lead to disease. What conditions may be linked to oral health? According to Mayo Clinic2, your oral health may affect, be affected by, or contribute to the following diseases and conditions:
Six (6) ways to protect your oral health:
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2 Comments
Don Ward
8/14/2021 07:39:52 pm
This is a really good blog on the mouth and it’s relation to the body as a whole. Just as the eyes are the window to the soul. So is the mouth a gate way into the tunnel of the digestive system. We must care for them both.
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About UsHi! We're Mario and Karen, the "sunshine couple". We love each other and actually like each other too. As health enthusiasts, we share our experiences as it relates to culture, health, and faith. We hope that you are encouraged in making positive lifestyle choices for a healthier body, mind, and spirit. Archives
March 2023
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