08/27/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2021 18:20
By Sara Butler
Did you know the gateway to poor health is through your mouth?
Look, everyone knows that (cue the music) the foot bone's connected to the leg bone, the foot bone's connected to the thigh bone … and so on. Yes, those connected body parts were immortalized in song a long time ago. Everyone understands that the skeletal system is connected, but it's also connected to your muscular system, which is connected to your central nervous system. Any dysfunction along the way can cause problems.
What many people are not aware of is how their dental health is connected to their overall health. Sure, it's about the worst pain you can have when something is wrong with your teeth, but do you know how the health of your teeth and gums impacts things beyond your mouth?
Here is what you need to know about the role oral health plays in your overall health and why it's so important.
Just like every other part of your body, your mouth is absolutely bursting with bacteria. Yeah, it can be creepy to think about, but most of the bacteria on your body and in your mouth are harmless. However, the mouth is the entrance to your respiratory and digestive tracts, so a lot of things tend to go in and out regularly, which is why a lot of the bacteria in the mouth can be harmful.
The best defense against this daily barrage of bacteria in the mouth is good oral hygiene. Something as simple as regular flossing can reduce the bacteria in your mouth by as much as 40 percent. If you can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, then you can reduce the chances that you'll develop an infection in your mouth such as gum disease or tooth decay -- conditions that can have a detrimental impact on your overall health.
Unhealthy gums are a big contributor to serious health conditions, some of which may surprise you. Unhealthy gums have been linked to:
TMJ, along with arthritis, and osteoporosis, can be helped with chiropractic care.
You can protect your oral health and your overall health by simply practicing good oral hygiene habits on a daily basis. You should:
If you're struggling with conditions that the chiropractor is treating you for, such as arthritis, then it may be a good idea to take a step back and think about your oral health and how it may be contributing to issues you're having.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.