HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BEYOND THE SMILE

 

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BEYOND THE SMILE

 

Healthy teeth and gums are more than just an aesthetic or hygiene issue, it’s a quality of life issue.  Aesthetics are only part of the story when it comes to the importance of oral health and well-being. Healthy teeth, pink gums, and fresh breath―surefire signs of good oral hygiene practices― aren’t just for the vain. A healthy smile tells the world all about us.  

The health of gums and teeth are important and can have wide-reaching effects on overall health.  The same bacteria that cause cavities and gum infection can ultimately devastate other systems in your body as well―systems that your body relies on to function effectively. 

Link between healthy mouths and healthy bodies

Research shows there may be a link between gum disease and other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. When your gums are in good shape, bacteria are prevented from entering the rest of your body. But when you have gum disease, those pockets of space between your teeth and gums allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream potentially causing problems throughout your body. 

Once bacteria are in the bloodstream, they can cause inflammation of arteries that can affect  your heart and other organs. Bacteria irritate arteries in the same way that they irritate gum tissue, causing arterial plaque accumulations that can lead to hardening of the arteries and decreased blood flow. Arterial plaque and blood clots that becomes loose and travels to other parts of your body can cause a stroke. 

 

The systemic link between poor oral health and the health of the rest of your body has even expanded into a disturbing correlation to increased cancer risk. A study conducted last year by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute showed a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. 

Although scientists are only just beginning to understand this link between healthy mouths and healthy bodies, dentists are proactively encouraging people to take their oral health seriously and to make it a regular part of a healthy lifestyle.

 

Smoking and Sleep Top the List of Lifestyle Factors Affecting Oral Health

There are many lifestyle factors other than tooth brushing and flossing that can affect a person’s oral health. A  recent study conducted in Japan, identified smoking and lack of sleep as the most significant  lifestyle factors that has an affect on periodontal (gum) health. High stress levels and daily alcohol consumption also demonstrated a significant impact on gum disease progression. Simple lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep, less alcohol consumption and eliminating smoking, may help patients improve or protect their oral health.  

Take oral health seriously - Follow best healthy lifestyle practices

To maintain healthy teeth and a healthy mouth, you can take the following best practice steps. By following these simple steps and encouraging others to do so as well, will not only significantly increase your chance of having a lifetime of good oral health,  but will also ensure a better overall health.  

Get a regular check-up from your dentist

Everyone should visit their  dentist and oral hygienist regularly to have their mouth and teeth examined. Parents are encouraged to take their children for their first dental visit  by age one or within six months of the appearance of the first teeth.  Adults should see a dentist every six months for an examination and cleaning.  This will help prevent problems and stop small problems from getting worse.  Individuals who are pregnant or who have periodontal disease, diabetes, HIV infection, or some other health conditions may need to see a dentist more frequently.  It is also important to have the mouth as healthy as possible prior to the start of any radiation therapy to the head or neck or prior to any heart valve, knee or hip replacement surgery.     

 

Periodontal risk assessment

Warning signs of gum disease may include: puffy, red, sore, shiny or sensitive gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, bad breath that won’t go away. Red gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss are a sign that a visit to the dentist should be tops on your to-do list. Loose or separating teeth and persistent bad breath are signs that the disease is making its way to the supporting tissues of your teeth.  Left untreated, gum disease will ultimately lead to permanent tooth loss. You should see your dentist immediately if you notice or experience any of these problems. 

Sometimes the only way to detect gum or periodontal diseases is through a periodontal evaluation. A periodontal evaluation may be especially important if you: have heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or are thinking of becoming pregnant. 

To find out if you are at risk for periodontal (gum) diseases, please visit the following web site for a free risk assessment test (http://www.perio.org/consumer/4a.html). 

 

Practice good oral hygiene 

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing in the morning and before you go to bed is key to removing any bacteria and plaque in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. No matter how expensive or high-powered your toothbrush is, only floss will reach areas in between teeth where dangerous plaque accumulates. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria in your mouth and help keep your breath fresher. 

 

Eat a healthy balanced diet

Good health requires good nutrition, but if you don’t have strong teeth and healthy gums, your ability to eat properly is diminished. Your choice of foods becomes restricted, and you may have difficulties getting all the nutrients you need. Lack of a balanced diet leads to chronic infections of the mouth, putting strain on the body’s immune system

 

Avoid social activities that can harm oral health

Avoid activities such as smoking, oral piercing and recreational drugs that might harm your mouth or teeth. 

It’s important to know that all types of tobacco including cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco are harmful for your oral health. In addition to containing nicotine ― which is addictive ― they have been all been known to cause: gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, lip, tongue, pancreatic cancer and esophagus, colon, bladder, voice box cancer

Almost 75% of gum disease in adults is caused by smoking. Also, your gums may recede as a result of smoking. This may lead to tooth decay and an increased sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
 Read more about this topic on the following website: (http://www.youroralhealth.ca/content/view/100/141/#smoking) 

Use a mouth guard

People who participate in any sporting activities that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth and/or teeth are recommended to wear a mouth guard for protection.  Preventing a tooth injury or other mouth injury is much less expensive than the cost to repair such an injury.   

 

Check your mouth regularly

Check your mouth regularly to become familiar with what is normal for you. This will help you recognize when something in your mouth looks or feels different or abnormal.

Warning signs of oral cancer may include: numbness and tingling

open sores that don’t go away within a week to 10 days, unexplained bleeding, lumps or thickening on the bottom or sides of your tongue, cheeks, or roof of your mouth. If you notice any of these signs, or have any concerns, call your dentist immediately.

 

Healthy teeth and gums -  a great investment in quality of life 

Poor oral health can negatively impact not only your physical health but also your social and emotional well-being.  Maintaining good oral health, is essential to your ability to eat, talk, taste, chew, and smile effectively.

Feeling better, looking better, eating better all add to the quality of your life. The more you take care of your teeth and gums now, the less you’ll spend on them in the future. No matter how old you are, how devoted you are to your trusty toothbrush, or how big your fear of the dentist is, be sure to maintain that beautiful smile of yours throughout your lifetime. Not only will you look spectacular, but you’ll increase your overall vitality and well-being.