Dem Bones Dem Bones

Everyone knows the song.. Dem Bones “The hip bone connected to the back bone. Back bone connected to the shoulder bone.  Shoulder bone connected to the neck bone. Neck bone connected to the head bone” and the song goes on. What about the mouth bone? Where could that fit in the song? Most would not think that oral health is connected to the overall health of the body. However, this could not be further from the truth. What happens in your body can affect your mouth, likewise what happens in your mouth can affect the entire body. In other words the health of our mouths is connected to our overall health. If you don’t think that oral health and your body is connected consider the following factors:

Bacteria

Our bodies are filled with bacteria, and especially in our mouths. Some of this bacteria is harmless and normal to our natural defenses. Some bacteria is quite harmful.  Without good oral hygiene, the unwanted bacteria in your mouth and body can reach levels that can lead to infections of the mouth, tooth decay and other sickness.  Another issue with bacteria is that it creates acid that can eat away at the teeth and create other problems.

Saliva

We need saliva. It is the bodies way of flushing out food and neutralizing acid. Certain medications taken for other bodily ailments can reduce saliva flow, such as decongestants, painkillers and other medications. If you are taking medications for other ailments, a concerted effort at taking care of your mouth should be taken.

Disease

Other diseases such as diabetes or HIV/Aids can reduce the bodies tolerance to infection. If your body cannot fight infection, oral infection can become more severe. On the flip side, the lack of oral hygiene can contribute to diseases that affect other parts of your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, oral health can affect and contribute to cardiovascular disease, premature birth, diabetes, HIV/Aids, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions like immune system disorders.

Our body is intimately connected to our mouth. By taking care of our mouth, we can reduce the risk of not only oral infection but also disease that can plague the rest of our body. Prevention is the best way to deal with disease and one of the best ways we can do that is by practicing good oral Hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, reduce sugar and in between meal snacks. Floss daily, replace your toothbrush every couple of months and schedule regular checkups.

Elevated Dental can evaluate your mouth and give you personalized tips on how you can maintain quality oral health. Depending on your bodies health, diet and other factors, there may be things Dr. Holmberg can prescribe that can improve your chances of oral infection prevention. Your mouth bone is connected to your body bone, so take care of it.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475?pg=1