TO YOUR HEALTH Dental Hygiene for Whole Body Health
the connection might not be complete- ly obvious at first, this is a result of in- haling bacteria from infected teeth and gums over a long period of time. Diabetic Complications. Inflamma- tion of the gum tissue and periodontal disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar and make your dia- betes symptoms worse. Diabetes suf- ferers are also more susceptible to peri- odontal disease, making proper dental care even more important for those with this condition. Poor dental care is also a possible factor in other conditions, such as im- mune system disorders, weak bones, problems with pregnancy and low birth weight. Tips for Healthy Teeth Encourage your family to practice good oral hygiene by brushing after every meal with natural toothpaste, flossing daily and using a mouth rinse to kill bacteria. Here are a few more tips for keeping your teeth healthy: • Don’t go to bed without brush- ing your teeth. Many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night; but brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day. • Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth to avoid plaque build-up and bad breathe. • Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Sugar ultimately converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth and even lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. • Drink more water, especially after each meal. Water is an important den- tal health ally as it helps to wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in be- tween brushes. • Make sure you eat food that sup- ports the nutritional needs for your body. Every meal should be balanced with protein, fat and leafy green veg- etables. You should also visit a dental pro- fessional regularly for cleanings, and the prevention and treatment of cavi- ties. Remember, people who keep their teeth healthy live longer and better. Dr. Sheri Salartash, DDS, MAGD, FICOI, FAAIP is an expert Cosmetic & General Dentist . She is the owner of Den- tal Excellence Integrative Center in Alex- andria, VA, which focuses on Comprehen- sive Dentistry, Aesthetics and Functional/ Physiologic and Neuromuscular Ortho- dontics with a whole-body approach (www. dentalexcellenceva.com) She also is fea- tured as an integrative dental expert on the TOP Doctors Interviews which are seen on CNN Headline News, Fox News, Oprah Winfrey Network, CNBC and other net- works. See also, their ad on page 20.
of the body that have other problems. Conversely, these other health prob- lems happening in the body can influ- ence oral health as well. People with diabetes, for example, are more likely to have periodontal disease than peo- ple without it, likely because they’re more susceptible to contracting infec- tions overall, according to the Ameri- can Academy of Periodontology. Although the body has many sys- tems in place to manage these bugs, some harmful species have been as- sociated with a number of diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, Al- zheimer’s disease and even depres- sion. Multiple peer reviewed studies and respected organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, the Centers for Dis- ease Control and Prevention, and the American Dental Association have sent the message that consistent den- tal hygiene is an important component of overall good health. The following highlight some areas of concern as
possible consequences from the lack of dental care. Cardiovascular Disease . In a nut- shell, this means heart disease. The bacteria from inflammation of the gums and periodontal disease can en- ter your bloodstream and travel to the arteries in the heart and cause athero- sclerosis, the hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis causes plaque to devel- op on the inner walls of arteries. This decreases blood flow through the body, which can cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The inner lining of the heart can also become infected and inflamed, a condition known as endocarditis. Dementia. The bacteria from gingi- vitis may enter the brain through nerve channels in the head or through the bloodstream, which could lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Respiratory Infections. The Jour- nal of Periodontology warns that gum disease could cause infections in the lungs, including pneumonia. While
BY SHERI SALARTASH, DDS
Most people understand that poor dental care can lead to cavities, plaque, gingivitis and halitosis. What many are discovering is the link to more se- rious health problems resulting from poor oral care. The science is in: If you don’t take care of your teeth, you face far more serious consequences than a simple toothache or some unsightly stains. The Risks of Poor Dental Hygiene Practicing proper dental care and tak- ing care of issues in the mouth is criti- cal to maintaining overall health. The mouth is not a detached system of the body. As the inflammation from patho- gens or periodontal disease damages the tiny blood vessels in your gums, oral bacteria are allowed to enter your bloodstream. They can travel to or- gans throughout the body, including the brain, heart, lungs and more. Oral bacteria are frequently found in parts
40—PATHWAYS—Winter 20-21
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