Unhealthy Mouth Leads to Unhealthy Body

Posted by Kelly Hancock on October 27th, 2019

As a registered dental hygienist and oral health blogger with Toothbrush Life, I have made it my life mission to help people achieve better oral health. Your oral health is so very important and I think that it is time that we spread awareness to the fact that good teeth can equal good health.

Did you know that your mouth is the gateway to your body? More and more studies are being done that show how important oral health is in connection with the rest of the body. Scientist and health experts now believe that the mouth is the window to the body. And while that may seem correct because it is where all of your food enters, this is not what they mean by that.

They mean that the health of your mouth directly affects the rest of your body. Your mouths condtion can affect everything going on in your entire body. So in easy terms-- Your oral health directly affects your overall health.

Bacteria in your mouth can spread to the rest of your body causing illness throughout your body. Some of these illnesses include heart issues. Heart issues include endocarditis (an infection of the lining of the heart), heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke. 

Gum disease bacteria from Periodontitis has been linked to premature babies and low birth weight.

Poor oral health can contribute to diabetes and diabetes can contribute to poor oral health. See the direct correlation?

That's right. Don't take care of your mouth and you could end up with some serious consequences.  

Here are some things you can do to help keep your mouth in pristine condition:

• Visit your dentist 2 times per year for a routine dental cleaning and examination
• Get a great electric toothbrush and brush your teeth with it every morning and night. 
• Floss at least one time daily. This helps reduce bacteria and also helps stop cavities from starting in between your teeth (where your toothbrush cannot reach).
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste to help prevent cavities.
• If you are smoker, quit. Smoking can lead to poor health and also affects your oral health
• Drink less sugary and acidic drinks and drink more water. Sugar takes a toll on the body and the mouth. Acidic drinks can cause cavities. 

So lets all ban together to encourage better oral health. Taking care of your teeth is taking care of your body.

Kelly Hancock, RDH Toothbrushlife