When we think about health, our minds go to our diet and fitness levels. But having healthy gum and teeth can also determine our overall health. Our mouth's contain an average of about 6 million bacteria daily. Some of these bacteria we need to help us digest the foods we eat. But having an excess of unwanted bacteria can lead to chronic issues in the mouth. Such as inflammation and infections, often showing as gum disease, mouth sores, and gingivitis. This unwanted bacteria can enter the blood stream and gut microbiome through the digestive tract. Allowing the bacteria to travel throughout the body, wrecking havoc of different systems over time. 

These are just a few chronic issues that can be caused by poor oral health:

Mental Health

Having poor oral health has been linked to poor mental health, such as Alzheimer's and dementia, due to the increased systematic inflammation in the body. With such mental impairments can also make remembering to brush and floss a challenge. Anxiety and depression have also been associated with poor oral health due to issues such as oral appearance, mouth pain, or impaired speech which can effect moods.

Heart Health

 The increased inflammation in the body can contribute to several heart issues. Such as :

Hardening of the arteries, stroke, heart attack, and infections in the heart.

Lung Health

 The unwanted bacteria in the mouth can enter the air pathways into the lungs through tiny saliva droplets. This can spread inflammation into the airways causing lung issues like; asthma, COPD, pneumonia and other respiratory issues. 

Gut Bacteria Health

 Unwanted bacteria from the mouth can disrupt the delicate balance of good vs. bad bacteria in the gut microbiome. An increase of these bad oral bacteria can lead to inflammation in the gut, digestive issues, immune disruption or even systematic inflammation in the body.

Certain Cancers/ Chronic diseases

Having unwanted oral bacteria in the body can overtime can lead to chronic disease, autoimmune issues, allergies and even certain cancers due to the increased inflammatory markers in the body. 

Impaired Glucose Control 

Maintaining healthy gums and teeth are essential for glucose control. When there is inflammation present, our blood sugar levels increase. Having high blood sugar creates sugars in the saliva. This sugary saliva feeds the bacteria in the mouth leading to gum disease and cavities. This creates more inflammation in the mouth and our blood sugar rises again. A vicious cycle, especially if you are trying to control diabetes.

Pregnancy Complications

The bacteria from the mouth can cause systematic inflammation in the body that can lead to premature labor. This inflammation can impair immune response with can also effect the development of the baby. Low birth rates are also a common issue. During pregnancy the estrogen and progesterone levels rise causing more blood flow to the gum, which can make them more sensitive to plaque and bacteria. Having healthy gums and teeth is also important so that unwanted bacteria isn't transferred to your baby's mouth by your kiss. Maintaining oral health should be taken seriously during pregnancy. 

Now we can see how maintaining a healthy oral cavity is important for our overall health. But lets take a look at some ways that we can use everyday to help keep our smiles shining bright and healthy.

Good Oral Health Practices

1. Daily teeth brushing

   Twice a day or after eating food. Using fluoride tooth paste is recommended. 

2. Flossing regularly

   Flossing between your teeth can help remove unwanted food particles from in between your teeth.

3. Scraping tongue

   Lots of bacteria can collect on your tongue, especially at night. Brush or scrape your tongue when brushing your teeth to remove excess bacteria.

4. Gargle

   Gargling helps remove bacteria from the roof and inside of your mouth. This bacteria can escape brushing and flossing. So gargling is excellent.

1. Visit the dentist regularly

    Regular 6 month check-ups and cleanings can help remove any accumulated plaque that our toothbrushes can't reach. This can help with gum disease and cavities if done regularly.
   

2. Calcium & Vitamin D

   getting these through foods or supplements can help keep teeth strong and healthy. 
   

3. Staying Hydrated

    Proper hydration helps with gum health. Fluoride is usually added to drinking water to aid with dental health.  

4. Limit Sugar and Alcohol

    excess sugar in diet can feed the bad bacteria in the mouth.
   

5. Consume Antibacterial foods

    Cloves, rosemary, ginger, and green tea have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can aid in oral health. Recommend chewing of these herbs or in lozengier form to deliver the botanical properties into the gums and mouth.