Healthy mouth, healthy body: The link between them may surprise you.

Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about having a nice smile and pleasant breath. Recent research has found a number of links between oral health and overall health. While in many cases, the nature of this link still isn’t clear — researchers have yet to conclude whether the connections are causal or correlative — what is certain is that the condition of your mouth is closely tied to your overall physical health. “You cannot be healthy with an unhealthy mouth any more than one can be healthy with an infected foot,” says Richard H. Price, DMD, spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA) and a former clinical instructor at the Boston University Dental School.

Oral health touches every aspect of our lives but is often taken for granted. Your mouth is a window into the health of your body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection. Systemic diseases, those that affect the entire body, may first become apparent because of mouth lesions or other oral problems.

Whether you are 80 or 8, your oral health is important. Most Americans today enjoy excellent oral health and are keeping their natural teeth throughout their lives; however, cavities remain the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood. Some 100 million Americans fail to see a dentist each year, even though regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene can prevent most dental disease. Many people believe that they need to see a dentist only if they are in pain or think something is wrong, but regular dental visits can contribute to a lifetime of good oral health. If you are experiencing dental pain, don’t put off seeing a dentist. With dentistry’s many advances, diagnosis and treatment are more sophisticated and comfortable than ever.

Boosts Your Self-esteem and Confidence

Decayed teeth and gum disease are often associated not only with an unsightly mouth but very bad breath — so bad it can affect your confidence, self-image, and self-esteem. With a healthy mouth that’s free of gum disease and cavities, your quality of life is also bound to be better — you can eat properly, sleep better, and concentrate with no aching teeth or mouth infections to distract you.

May Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Chronic inflammation from gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels, and strokes. Experts stop short of saying there is a cause-and-effect between gum disease and these other serious health problems, but the link has shown up in numerous studies. The findings of these studies may suggest that maintaining oral health can help protect overall health.

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 Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Those with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed verbal recall and subtraction — both skills used in everyday life. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.

You can practice good oral hygiene by always brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, replacing your toothbrush every three or four months and by eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks. Don’t forget to schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your smile, and yourself, healthy.
Most foods we eat contain some form of sugar. That doesn’t mean your child has to avoid them entirely, in fact, the opposite is true. Milk contains sugar, yet it is an essential source of calcium, necessary for strong bones and teeth. Fruits and vegetables also contain varying amounts of sugar, but they also provide many important vitamins and minerals. When choosing foods for your family, read food labels and avoid products with added sugars, such as candy, cookies, and other sweets. A balanced diet based on the Food Guide Pyramid will give your child the nutrition needed for healthy teeth and gums.

 

There are also certain medications that can predispose people to have more of a dry mouth. With the loss of saliva, more bacteria will form in the mouth and can predispose someone to having more dental and gum disease. Stress can also be a risk factor due to inflammation increasing when a person is under strain. To maintain good oral health, brush twice a day and floss once or twice daily, Genet said. Also, regularly visit a dentist and, if appropriate, a periodontist who can discover periodontal disease early enough to prevent it from becoming more advanced. Research also shows that exercise, maintaining healthy eating habits and cardiovascular health also helps fight gum disease. One should strive to exercise three to five days a week for about 30-45 minutes, or a weekly total of 150 minutes.
As health-care professionals, we can continue to educate patients as to the importance of good oral health and its impact on overall health and even medical costs. Keeping current and thorough medical histories is a key for informing patients of this association.
Armed with research and findings showing the impact of medical/dental integration will help the public understand why going to the dentist is so important.
If you didn’t already have enough reasons to take good care of your mouth, teeth and gums, the relationship between your oral health and your overall health provides even more. Resolve to practice good oral hygiene every day. You’re making an investment in your overall health, not just for now, but for the future, too.
Dr. Khandaqji and his dental team s dedicated to understanding the needs and expectations of our patients, while guiding them to achieve and maintain optimum oral health. Our patients are not just teeth walking through the door, but neighbors, friends and colleagues whom we hope to know long term. Our relationship goes beyond commercial service exchange. It is based on the establishment of mutual respect and trust.

Dr. Khandaqji and his dental team s dedicated to understanding the needs and expectations of our patients, while guiding them to achieve and maintain optimum oral health. Our patients are not just teeth walking through the door, but neighbors, friends and colleagues whom we hope to know long term. Our relationship goes beyond commercial service exchange. It is based on the establishment of mutual respect and trust.

Once your dental health has been established, your smile can be cosmetically enhanced in a variety of ways.  If you need a dentist in San Ramon, click links to see all our dental team reviews on Google+ or Yelp about Dentist Dr. Mohammad Khandaqji, DDS Mona Lisa Smile Dental knows your smile is one of the most important aspects of your appearance. San Ramon CA Dentist Dr. Mohammad Khandaqji, DDS