Let's Talk Dental Health during the Holidays
As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, I do not need you. Nor can the head say to the feet, I do not need you.
1 Corinthians 12:20-21
DENTAL HEALTH AND THE ROLE IT PLAYS IN OVERALL HEALTH
The health of your teeth, gums, and mouth impacts more than just your smile. Oral health provides clues about your overall health. Oral hygiene is vital to your overall health and well-being. While you might not see the connection immediately, there is a direct link between oral health and health in general.
Like other areas of the body, the mouth contains countless bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, as the mouth serves as the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts, harmful bacteria, despite being few, can cause disease or illness.
Adopting good oral habits has health benefits beyond the teeth and gums. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments can reduce the number of harmful bacteria and resolve or treat dental issues before they evolve into decay and disease. While the relationship between oral hygiene and health seems strange, it is well-established.
LINKS BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND OVERALL HEALTH
Studies suggest that oral bacteria and gum disease (periodontitis) can be associated with other health issues, and poor oral health may contribute to;
Heart disease - Research suggests that coronary artery disease and related complications may be related to the inflammation and infection oral bacteria can cause. Patients with a history of myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular attack (stroke) have worse oral health than control individuals.
Pregnancy complications - Premature birth and low birth weight can relate to periodontitis.
Pneumonia - If oral bacteria aspirated into the lungs, it could result in pneumonia.
Your mouth is the central portal to your respiratory and digestive organs. It’s important to keep bacteria under control and prevent infection from traveling to the bloodstream.
CONVERSELY, SOME DISEASES CAN AFFECT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
Diabetes - High blood sugar negatively impacts oral health, and severe gum disease can affect glycemic control. Individuals with diabetes have at least a three times greater risk of periodontitis than those without diabetes. Studies have shown that patients with well-controlled diabetes have no increased risk of periodontitis compared to individuals without diabetes.
Osteoporosis - Your teeth are supported by bone. According to some studies, the weakening of bone caused by osteoporosis is related to periodontitis and tooth loss.
Alzheimer’s disease - Oral health can worsen as the disease progresses.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - Acid reflux can wear away tooth enamel, leading to an increased risk of cavities and, in extreme cases, tooth loss.
Also, some medicines can reduce the flow of saliva. Saliva plays a vital role in washing away food and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria. When saliva production is normal, it protects against the multiplication of harmful microbes, reducing the risks of illness and disease. Medications that may lead to reduced saliva or dry mouth include:
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Antidepressants
Diuretics
Painkillers
PROTECTING YOUR ORAL HEALTH
There is special emphasis on good oral hygiene to protect your oral health.
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove plaque.
Visit your dentist regularly for a check-up and professional cleaning.
Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary foods and drinks. A well-balanced diet helps you maintain a healthier immune system, helps prevent heart disease, and slows diabetes disease progression.
Avoid tobacco use.
The relationship between oral and overall health also highlights the role of primary care. Follow up with your primary care physician for check-ups and routine health screenings. Just as important as it is to schedule check-ups and health screenings, it’s essential to take care of your oral health. It’s an investment not only for your smile but also for your general health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
Our oral health is one piece of the puzzle associated with our overall health. When we are healthy and take care of the temple the Lord has freely given us, we are more equipped to speak of the word of God and be a light and a beacon to others.
SOURCES
American Dental Association (ADA) www.ada.org
American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) www.adha.org
American Heart Association (AHA) www.heart.org
Seattle, WA 98125
206-205-8580
Clients served:
Children ages 1 through 18 years old
Low-income pregnant women
Homeless teens and adults (ages 13 and up)
Parents of child patients if Medicaid eligible
Low-income adults 19+ if Medicaid eligible
Prepared by April Cherney, RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist)
Prepared by Adriene Tillman, RN
If you or your family members are experiencing some life challenges, we as the Health Ministry have several community resources at our fingertips. Let us know how we can help!
JOIN THE HEALTH MINISTRY TEAM!
Do you have a passion to encourage others to serve God holistically through our minds, bodies, and souls? We invite both medical professionals and non-medical people to join this special team!
