HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED ABOUT WHAT IT MIGHT BE LIKE TO LIVE A WELLNESS LIFESTYLE? DID YOU KNOW THAT WHEN YOUR MOUTH IS UNHEALTHY IT CAN LEAD TO 57 OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS THROUGHOUT YOUR BODY?
There are many ways that we can be exposed to bacteria that can lead to serious health threats, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disorders, and many other challenges to our overall health. The most common way to test for harmful bacteria in your mouth is to look for signs of inflammation.
Inflammation is a normal immune response to injury and infections. It means that our bodies are constantly looking for the source of the infection and sending out cells to repair itself. It is important to be checked by your dentist or dental hygienist for any inflammation because too much harmful bacteria can lead to permanent, damaging effects to your oral and systemic health.
When there is a lot of plaque (bacteria and the homes they make) on your teeth, our bodies send protective cells to fight it. Through a complicated process the bacteria and protective cells can start a chain reaction ultimately leading to heart attacks, and strokes.
Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself about your oral health:
- AWhile brushing or flossing, do your gums tend to bleed?
- A Examine your teeth; do you see any gum recession?
- ADo you feel pain in your mouth when you are chewing food?
- AHas the space between your teeth increased over time?
- AHave you been suffering from "Dry Mouth"?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, we recommend that you inform us at your next dental checkup and cleaning. The symptoms above can lead to damaging problems to your overall health.
Your diet is one area you can start with today to help. Make sure you’re eating more fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. These foods, along with limiting high levels of sugar and trans and saturated fats, help reduce these health risks and inflammation.
Lastly, it’s important to get your regular checkups with our dental professional team, brush and floss your teeth twice daily, and even rinse with mouth wash to help kill lingering germs.
Your oral health is a window to your overall health. Every year, more research is being published about neglected bacteria originating from one’s mouth linked to more serious problems in the future. At Brumbach Family Dentistry, we strive to carry out our mission, which is to create a lifetime of healthy smiles. By being aware of the importance of oral hygiene as it relates to your overall health, together, we can fuel your lifetime of a healthy smile.