What Your Smile Says About Your Health

We all know the importance of brushing, cleaning, and flossing our teeth. Memories of getting nagged to brush our teeth every night before bed, a process that has become ritual to most people, come to mind when we think of oral hygiene. However, as we get older, it becomes easier to forget about the importance of oral health because it is hidden inside of our mouths, making it less of a priority. We might not realize that our teeth can actually affect the health of our body as a whole. The status of your oral heath could affect or contribute to some disease including:

Cardiovascular Disease: More than 90 percent of patients with heart disease also have gum disease. Our mouths hold tons of bacteria. These bacteria can be linked to the cause of plaque in the arteries, inflammation, infections, and heart disease if released into the bloodstream. Research suggests that inflammation of the mouth can increase chances of inflammation throughout the body.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, changes in hormones can affect changes in the mouth, making the gums more sensitive. Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Scientists think that germs and their products can travel through the blood from the site of the gum disease to the womb.

Endocarditis: When harmful oral bacteria are released throughout the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas of the heart, it can cause an infection of the lining of the heart (Endocarditis).

Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease because diabetes can lower the body's ability to fight off infections. Inflammation caused by periodontitis can weaken the body from controlling blood sugar levels.

The best ways to protect against unwanted health problems relating to your oral heath, are to visit the dentist every six months, brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day,and to eat a healthy diet.

Foods that are great for oral health:
Citrus Fruits: Fruits rich in Vitamin C such as guavas, kiwis, oranges, papayas, and strawberries, are great for gum health. Vitamin C is important for the health of gum tissue, and, without it, gums can become more vulnerable to bacteria caused by Periodontitis.

Vitamin A: Vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, green leafy foods, and green peas are rich in Vitamin A, which helps promote enamel formation and aid with gum healing and prevents bleeding.

Calcium: Foods like yogurt, milk, and cheese, are full of calcium and are essential for bone health for a strong jaw and teeth.

Green Tea: Green tea is not only great for relaxation, but it can also help prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Green tea contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that can kill bacteria that lead to plaque and bad breath.