Good Dental Care is Your Healthiest New Year’s Resolution

There is an ancient proverb that the “eyes are the window to your soul.”   That might be true, but did you know that your mouth is probably the best window to your overall health?   By examining  your gums, teeth and tongue, a dentist obtains very important evidence about what’s going on in your entire body—which could help diagnose possible problems.    

Good dental hygiene is a lot more than sparkling teeth and kissable breath. It could save your life.

Bacteria and Inflammation

You probably know that bacteria that reside in your gastrointestinal tract, but your mouth is also packed with microbes.   In fact, there are more than 700 different bacterial strains residing in most people’s mouths!  Most of these are harmless, and some are even very beneficial.  But some are harmful and the cause of many diseases.

Normally, your body’s immune system, plus good oral care, can keep these hostile microorganisms under control. Saliva is another important player. It washes away food particles, neutralizes acids and defends against viruses and other germs.

However, poor hygiene can cause pathogenic microbes to grow, multiply and gain a stronghold. An abundance of these bad guys can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis (inflamed gums caused by a buildup of a sticky film of bacteria called plaque) and periodontitis (severe gum disease).

In fact most scientists and practitioners now believe that many diseases are the product of inflammation—and one of the main causes of inflammation is low-grade bacterial infections in the bloodstream introduced or originating in the mouth.

The Links to Disease

There is a vast (and mounting) amount of research that shows a strong connection between poor oral health and the following diseases:

• Cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and stroke);
• Alzheimer’s disease;
• Diabetes;
• Chronic kidney disease; and
• Pregnancy complications.

The data is too overwhelming to lay out here, but do a quick internet search of the connection between any of these diseases and your oral health, and you’ll find lots and lots of data.

Resolution No. 1: Take Care of Your Mouth

Your first line of defense against gingivitis, periodontitis and a host of other dental problems is to brush for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day. You should also get dental cleanings and exams every six months (or more often if recommended by your dentist). 

Don’t forget to clean your tongue as well. (You can use a regular old toothbrush or buy a special tongue scraper either online or at a drugstore.) Research involving children found that, compared to tooth brushing alone, tongue brushing or scraping led to “statistically significant reductions in plaque levels” after 10 and 21 days. Both methods appeared to be equally effective.

You may also want to consider taking some key nutrients that support oral health. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) benefits the heart and safeguards the gums. A study from India found that the ubiquinol form of CoQ10 not only reduced free radical damage in the mouths of patients with periodontal disease, but also suppressed inflammation associated with the condition.

A daily probiotic supplement can also promote healthy teeth and gums. The friendly strains Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria can decrease the number of cavity-causing S. mutans. Beneficial microbes also fight periodontitis, bad breath and countless gastrointestinal conditions.

Here are some final tips:

• Avoid sugary and starchy foods, which feed pathogenic bacteria and help them flourish. If you must eat something sweet or starchy, brush your teeth right away.
• Don’t use alcohol-based mouthwashes, which have been loosely linked to oral cancer. Opt for alcohol-free options.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush away food particles and unwelcome bacteria in your mouth.
• Consider chewing gum or suck a mint that contains xylitol. This natural, low-calorie sugar alternative shows promise in not only reducing cavities, but also reversing tooth decay in its earliest stages.

Clearly, taking diligent care of your mouth goes a long way in protecting your overall well being. While brushing and flossing may seem annoying and tedious at times, a few minutes a day is a small price to pay for long-term health. 

 Keep smiling,

 

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121