When thinking about staying healthy, the state of your oral health may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, in fact, your oral health can provide clues as to your overall health, and problems there can affect your physical health, as well. Therefore, it is important to invest in your oral health and overall health.
According to the ADA (American Dental Academy), research has shown that more than 90 percent of systemic diseases – such as diabetes, leukemia, osteoporosis and heart disease – have oral health consequences, including tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease). Certain medications, such as pain killers, antidepressants, blood thinners and diuretics, can reduce salivary flow, which can increase the bacteria in your mouth and also contribute to tooth decay, periodontal disease and chronic candidiasis (thrush).
Both cardiologists and dentists agree that poor oral health, especially gum disease, is strongly linked to heart disease, and, in fact, gum disease is included as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Further, gum disease is an important risk factor for other diseases of the blood vessels and arteries, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks. The reason for the correlation is that bacteria found in both health problems are similar, and inflammation is found in both diseases, as well.
What can you do to maintain good oral health? Good oral hygiene is the key to prevention. As a registered dental hygienist, the first thing I teach my patients is that there are five keys to oral health maintenance:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled brush;
- Change your toothbrush every 2-3 months;
- Use an interproximal device (i.e. dental floss) to clean between teeth daily;
- Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks; and
- Visit your dentist for cleanings and a check-up every six months.
With regular oral exams, a dentist or hygienist may be the first one to identify potentially-harmful diseases in the early stages and guide you to the best possible treatment or prevention. In addition, it’s important to keep your dental team updated with any changes in your medical history or medications. By doing so, you will be taking the best possible care of your oral health, which is an investment in your overall health, as well.
