Smile! Time to Celebrate Oral Health—Show off Your Pearly Whites

Though our eyes may be the window to our soul, our mouth can be the doorway to health issues. Gums are prone to infection if bacteria are allowed to build up on our teeth. This, in turn, can lead to inflammation as our body’s immune system moves in to fight the infection.

This inflammation can cause damage to our gums and bone structure, leading to periodontitis. Inflammation can also cause problems in the rest of our body.

Cardiovascular disease

There is a definite connection between gum disease and heart disease. Up to 91 percent of people with heart disease also have periodontitis. And the risk factors for both are similar: smoking, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Scientists believe the inflammation that causes periodontitis can also lead to inflammation in the blood vessels.

Endocarditis

This  is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, called the endocardium. It generally occurs when bacteria from another part of the body—in this case the mouth—spread through the bloodstream to damaged areas of the heart.

Pregnancy and birth

Scientists have suggested a link between periodontitis—a disease of the gums—and premature babies and underweight babies. The theory is that inflammation and infection in general can interfere with fetal development.

Diabetes

Researchers know that having diabetes increases the risk of periodontal diseases. But they’re still investigating whether the reverse is possible— can having periodontal disease increase one’s chance of developing diabetes. The speculation is that periodontal diseases may initiate insulin resistance.

HIV/AIDS

A link has been made between periodontal disease and HIV/AIDS. Researchers encourage ongoing dental care as an important part of comprehensive care for those with HIV/AIDS.

Osteoporosis

Bone loss is at the heart of both periodontitis and osteoporosis. Whether one causes the other is still to be determined. Some studies have found women with osteoporosis also have gum disease more often than women who don’t have osteoporosis.

Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers describe inflammation as the “connecting link” between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists continue to investigate the multiple pathways of inflammation for both diseases.

Happy teeth, healthy gums

It isn’t really a secret. There are some simple ways to make sure we keep our teeth happy and our gums healthy.

Brush

• 3 times a day (not more)
• with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• for at least two minutes
• be gentle

Floss

• once a day
• before bed
• both sides of every tooth

Eat well

• limit sugar in food and beverages
• snack on cheese, nuts, and vegetables

Don’t smoke

Good food for happy teeth

Foods high in calcium are important for tooth health as are protein-rich foods that are also rich in phosphorus. Both protein and phosphorus are key to protecting and rebuilding tooth enamel.

Calcium

• milk
• cheese
• plain yogurt
• nuts, seeds

Protein and Phosphorus

• meat, poultry
• eggs
• cheese
• nuts, seeds

Eating foods with fibre and water—think fruit and vegetables—helps stimulate saliva production. This is important for neutralizing or washing acids and food particles away that would otherwise cause teeth to decay.

The vitamin C in fruit and vegetables is also important for gum health and for healing wounds, while vitamin A has a role in building tooth enamel.

Fibre and Vitamins A & C

• fruit (apples, pineapple, strawberries, etc.)
• vegetables (leafy greens, carrots, bell pepper, etc.)