Oral Health - How It Affects Your Overall Health - Elite Dental Care Tracy

1. Oral Health - How It Affects Your Overall Health - Elite Dental Care Tracy Did you know that your dental health clearly indicates how overall health is or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Ideally our body produces enough saliva which should help us to fight all the bacteria in the mouth. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease however certain medications like decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants can reduce the saliva flow. Once the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth gets compromises your mouth's normal defenses, it allows these bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a healthy immune system, the presence of oral bacteria in your bloodstream causes no problems. Your immune system quickly works with them, preventing infection. However, if your immune system is weakened, you may develop an infection in other parts of your body as well. Severe gum disease may increase the risk of preterm delivery and giving birth to a low birth weight baby. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, in fact, estimates that as many as 18 percent of preterm, low birth weight babies born in the United States each year may be attributed to oral infections. The theory is that oral bacteria release toxins, which reach the placenta through the mother's bloodstream and

2. interfere with the growth and development of the fetus. At the same time, the oral infection causes the mother to produce labor-triggering substances too quickly, potentially triggering premature labor and birth. Oral inflammation due to bacteria also plays a significant role in clogged arteries and blood clots. It appears that bacteria in the mouth may cause inflammation throughout the body, including the arteries. This inflammation may serve as a base for development of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, possibly increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Some research suggests that people with gum infections are also at increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The more severe the infection, the greater the risk appears to be for every person. One thing is clear: the body and mouth are not separate. Your body can affect your mouth and likewise, your mouth can affect your body. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can really help you live well longer. This means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and going for regular dental cleanings and check-ups. If you have periodontal disease, make sure you see your dentist frequently and get it treated promptly, before it progresses to the point where you begin losing teeth or it starts to affect your overall health. Periodontal disease is the sixth most prevalent chronic condition in the world, affecting 743 million people around the globe hence it is essential that you visit your dentist even when you feel that your oral heath is in a sound state because it is caused by more than 500 bacterial species found in plaque below the gum line. A recent study has shown us that people who stay fit and healthy are 40 percent less likely to develop tooth-threatening gum infections that could lead to gum disease. It also found that not exercising, not keeping to a normal body weight and unhealthy eating habits made a person much more likely to get advanced gum disease. Last but not the least try to limit soda, coffee and alcohol as much as you can. Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body's level of calcium. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful smile. Source: http://www.theelitedental.com/oral-health-tracy/