By Kay Leaman, Health Architect, Certified Nutrition and Skin Advisor
The oral cavity, aka the mouth, is a crucial part of the body’s health system. Most of us enjoy going to the dentist (a white lie). It is recommended to go every six months for a cleaning and checkup. The results of these checkups reveal how well we have done our part in keeping our mouths healthy.
Let’s look at some facts:
We swallow about 140 billion bacteria daily, which seeds our gastrointestinal tract.
We carry around trillions of microscopic bugs that live in and on our bodies, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract and mouth.
The mouth is the primary entrance to the digestive system.
Our oral microbiome influences health and disease in many other body systems.
The mouth is home to the second most diverse population of microbes in the body, and the health of these microbes is linked to heart disease, joint health, diabetes and digestive disorders. Because of the world we live in and what we eat, our mouths are exposed to potentially harmful bacteria every day. If our mouths are healthy (microbes in good balance), they help us form a strong defense against infection and illness.
When our mouths aren’t up to par, they can allow potentially harmful bacteria into the bloodstream and are commonly associated with cavities, bad breath, gingivitis and periodontal disease. Note: Oral pathogens can colonize for life, leak into blood vessels and circulate throughout the body. This can result in many systemic diseases elsewhere in the body. Back in the day (way back), I was a Certified Dental Assistant with expanded duties. We would see patients who had been sent to us by their doctors to bring their oral cavities back to a healthy state. However, unless the patient takes responsibility for their part, their results will be short-lived.
Most of us know what we should be doing, but do we know what we should be avoiding? Let’s take a look:
- I recommend avoiding antibacterial toothpaste as well as those containing fluoride, as I believe these can disrupt the balance of our microbiome system.
- Mouthwashes can destroy our beneficial microbes.
- Work on not breathing through your mouth. Many of us unconsciously breathe through our mouths when we are winded, stressed, etc.
- Begin moving to natural oral health products.
- Consume probiotic-rich foods: plain yogurt (unsweetened), sauerkraut, pickles that are naturally fermented, etc.
A healthy lifestyle also contributes to oral health. This includes avoiding processed sugars, fast food, etc. Include a diet rich in fiber and veggies, as they are high in prebiotics (food for your beneficial microbes). Yes, we need to feed the good bacteria, and our guts are not the only area that needs our attention.
Lastly, take time to floss and brush (soft bristles) properly each morning and evening. Be sure to brush your gums as well as your teeth. Don’t use a lot of pressure, as this can harm your gums and wear the tooth enamel. If you see blood when you floss, this is a sign that your gums need extra attention. Did you know that your teeth are not attached to bone but are attached via ligaments? If your gums remain in an unhealthy state, these ligaments can be destroyed, causing the need for extractions. AND, if you don’t own a tongue scraper, you can pick one up at Walmart. You will be amazed at what hides in the spaces of your tongue. That is why dentists check your tongue, as it gives them clues into the health of your oral cavity. Start from the back of your tongue and scrape toward the tip. Another thing you can add during the day is a G-U-M brush. This will help remove food between the teeth and aid in keeping your gums clean between brushings.
We normally think of our smiles when it comes to our mouths. It’s time to work at making your gut smile, too.
Here’s to Health!
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