Your Overall Health: The Dental Connection!

There are many ways in which your oral health has an impact on your overall general health.  There are naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth.  Some of those bacteria, including strep and staph, are harmful, while other bacteria are essential for the balance of intestinal flora. The healthier that your mouth is, the less likely it is that the harmful bacteria will travel to other parts of your body to infect it and potentially make you sick.  There is much more to good dental hygiene than brushing and flossing.

Did you know that ancient civilizations relied on natural remedies for maintaining oral health?  While certain Egyptians used myrrh and other herbs as antiseptics for treating infected gums, others who lived in the Nile River Valley, drank beer to ease the pain of infected teeth!  At first thought, I figured that the alcohol content must have numbed their pain.  However, their beer was effective because they used grains that were contaminated with the same bacteria that produce the antibiotic tetracycline!

In the past due to a lack of routine dental care and products that strengthen enamel, tooth decay was more of an issue.  However today, gum disease has replaced tooth decay as the most serious dental problem currently facing people.  According to the American Dental Association, a staggering 80 percent of Americans over the age of 65 suffer from some sort of periodontal disease. Researchers now know that gum disease causes a chronic inflammation, which is a driving force for multiple chronic illnesses, including clogged arteries, heart attacks, arthritis, and even cancer. Bacterial overgrowth in the inflamed gum tissue can even enter your bloodstream while you are eating.

If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT