A Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
Your mouth is a window into the overall health of your body. Some of the first signs of a vitamin deficiency of general infection appear in your mouth. There are 20 billion bacteria in your mouth and they reproduce every 5 hours. If you go 24 hours without brushing, those 20 billion become 100 billion! Some of these bacteria are linked to tooth decay (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease. Researchers suspect the bacteria linked to periodontal disease play a role in some systemic diseases or conditions. These can range from heart attack, stroke, diabetes, cancer or a number of other autoimmune diseases.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, pay particular attention to your dental health. The variable hormone levels during pregnancy can exaggerate some dental problems. Women with periodontal disease who become pregnant are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, of which 50% of those women will have Type II diabetes within 20 years. Prevention is key. Maintain optimal dental health to promote overall wellness.
What You Can Do
Prevention is an important step in maintaining overall health. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Clean between your teeth with floss or another type of device once a day. Choose dental products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks. Schedule regular dental checkups.
If you notice any of these signs, see your dental professional:
- Gums which bleed
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of any removable device you wear
The following are links to more information about oral systemic link:
http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/articles/oral-health-and-your-heart
http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/articles/periodontal-disease-and-diabetes
http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/articles/periodontal-disease-and-obesity