How Your Oral Health Affects Your Total Health

Let’s face it, on the surface oral health can seem like a bit of a boring topic, however, in reality it can be one of the most important aspects of a daily routine. Current trends (yea for current trends) have (finally) confirmed that oral health is the gateway to overall health.  Yet most of the adult population suffers with gum disease or cavities.

In fact, did you know that gingivitis (reversible) and gum disease (non reversible but treatable) are now thought to be one of the major contributing factors to diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s and arthritis (just to name a few)?  Why?  Because when the gums are inflamed, the lining of the gums opens up like a cut, and allows all of the nasty inflammatory bacteria into your bloodstream. 

Plaque that has been in the mouth for more than 8 days is the main contributor to both gum disease and cavities.  On the average, people get their teeth cleaned somewhere between every 90 to 180 days…and that is only the people that visit the dentist regularly.  Inflammation begins once plaque remains on a surface for 8 days.  Meaning if you don’t clean every nook and cranny of the gum “pocket” every 8 days, infection begins.

There is Hope

Now this post isn’t meant to be all about doom and gloom and have you running for the hills or even to the dental office to “cure” you from disease, instead what I would like to share with you is that in fact, you, yourself can take care of this disease landslide yourself, in the privacy of your own home.  Yes, I said it; both gingivitis and periodontal disease can be dealt with at home, if, and only if you have the right tools and the right understanding on how to use them. 

You see, “cleanings”, whether they be every 3 or 6 months are really only effective for the first week, so essentially if you are relying on “cleanings”  in order to keep yourself “healthy”,  you would need to schedule far more cleanings and open your wallet more often than you care to think about.

A History Into Dental Cleaning Frequency

As you read this, you may be getting skeptical and thinking “well has my dentist/hygienist recommended that I come in every _ months, and why do advertisements follow this ideology”?  The truth behind the frequency for cleanings is linked back to a radio advertisement in 1929 for Pepsodent recommending that you brush and see your dentist 2 times a year. 

Prior to that, people did not see the dentist for preventative maintenance.  As you can imagine, the dental community was thrilled to see people coming in for checkups so they jumped on the bandwagon, and when dental insurance came into existence, they too followed suit.

Oral Disease and Whole Body Disease are Completely Related

As the understanding on the relationship between oral health and many if not most chronic diseases continues to grow, it becomes more important that we focus on the daily rituals that keep the mouth healthy.  Here is where my position differs from the mainstream.  As a dental professional of nearly 20 years (acting as a dental assistant, front office/insurance coordinator and dental hygienist), I see the same people coming in with the same disease time and time again.  I know the business inside and out, and understand how each factor plays a part.

Dentistry as a whole is based around treating disease, not preventing it.  Truth be told, when you are effective in your daily home care, you don’t “NEED” to see the dentist every few months to have them assist you in controlling your disease.  Instead, you are able to see them for your regular exams ensuring that the teeth are not breaking down, and you are free from diseases like oral cancer, and hopefully get a good pat on the back.

So Here’s What You Really Need To Do

So here’s my suggestion, get used to REALLY taking care of your mouth,  if you have any buildup, bleeding or sensitivity at all, it means that something is not right.  Understand WHAT products to use and equally important, HOW to use them. 

Do not rely on mainstream media to tell you what products are effective, and do not rely on someone telling you what to do.

Instead what you need is a clear understanding of your mouth, what looks healthy and what does not.  What areas are inflamed and what areas are receiving enough oxygen and nutrients.  A good magnification mirror is a great tool, and products that balance the good and bad bacteria are imperative. 

Most importantly learn HOW to use the products that you invest in, instead of just thinking that deep cleanings, cavities and buildup are a normal part of life.One Last thing, we need to really understand how we as family members and care givers infect each other by common things like kissing, blowing on food to cool it down and sharing utensils.  Technically, I SHOULD have the worst teeth in the world.  Both of my parents have dental issues, I am married to a Brit (and you know what they say about British teeth and dental care), and as a child I had horrible hygiene and cavities in nearly every tooth.  Trust me, if I can figure out a way to not have a cleaning in 4 years, anyone can.  And, I promise I don’t spend 10 minutes a day cleaning my mouth in a typical type “A” personality fashion that many hygienists do.

There is Help that Makes it Easy and Understandable

Sometimes it takes the help of an Oral Health Coach (what I now am and highly recommend), because someone that can teach you true prevention and oral health is worth every penny if it adds years to your life and decreases time and money spent in the dental chair, and helps control so many of the diseases we face today. 

If this sounds like something you would like to know more about, check out this link about the 7 Secrets About Oral Health Your Dentist Won’t Tell You.This will at least get you started on the path to amazing oral health, or as some like to call it, oral wellness.Of course, you can always contact me

Thank you for reading; I hope this helps you on your journey.  I’d love to hear what you are going through and if or how I may help.  You can reply to the blog post below,

All the Best,Carrie