How does good oral hygiene affect overall health and wellness?
Dr. Nushin Shir
As your eyes are the window to the soul, mouth is a window to the body’s health. Oral health points to clues about the overall health. Oral health and overall health are more connected than you might realize. A dental visit is not just about treatments related to teeth. It is also about overall health. Oral health is connected to many other health conditions beyond the mouth. Infections in the mouth, such as gum disease, can cause problems in other areas of the body.
Gum Disease is an infection of the gums, which is caused by a film of bacteria that coats everyone’s teeth and is called dental PLAQUE. The Bacteria in plaque reacts with sugar and starch in the diet to form acids and toxins attacking teeth and gums. When the disease progress to the bone (supporting the teeth), it is called PERIODONTITIS. Research has proven Periodontitis is directly linked to heart and respiratory diseases. It is not only your teeth at risk anymore, but your overall health. When the gums are healthy, bacteria in the mouth usually don’t enter the bloodstream. However, gum disease may provide bacteria a port of entry into the bloodstream.
In July 1998, the American Academy of Periodontology launched an effort to educate the public about new findings that infections in the mouth can play destruction elsewhere in the body. Here’s a look at some of the diseases and conditions that may be linked to oral health:
Cardiovascular disease. Research shows that several types of cardiovascular disease may be linked to oral health. These include heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke.
Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth. This is why it’s vital to maintain excellent oral health before and during pregnancy.
Diabetes. Poor oral health can make diabetes more difficult to control. Infections may cause blood sugar to rise and require more insulin to keep it under control.
Osteoporosis. The first stages of bone loss may show up in your teeth. Systemic loss of bone density in osteoporosis, including bone in the jaw, may create a condition where the bone supporting your teeth is increasingly susceptible to infectious destruction.
Your dental team can remove calculus from your teeth and treat gum disease, but daily dental care is in your hands. For a few minutes a day spent on brushing and flossing and few hours in a dental officer per year for check-ups and professional cleanings, you can largely avoid several dental problems.
Additionally, by brushing your tongue every time, you can dramatically reduce the bad odor emanating from the bacteria harbored on top of the tongue. There are also some mouthwashes and tongue cleansers available. Your dental team should be consulted for advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
BACKGROUND: Dr. Nushin Shir graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in June of 1993, her Master in Public Health at UCLA, and her Bachelor Degree in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine. Currently, Dr. Nushin Shir is the Course Director and an academic instructor at West Coast University, teaching Dental Materials. Additionally, Dr. Shir mentors graduating dental students @ UCLA- School of Dentistry.
Dr. Shir practices cosmetic and general dentistry and has served many well-known celebrities in addition to owning and managing several successful dental practices in Los Angeles County for over 19 years. She is highly trained in complex and cosmetic dental procedures. Dr. Shir’s commitment and focus are to quality dental practice and patient care following the most advanced techniques and procedures.
She is well-known in the dental field and has been interviewed by Woman’s Day Journal (December 2010), USA Today, Who is Who’s publication and Time-Warner Cable Section on Health in the areas of preventative and cosmetic dentistry in addition several radio shows. Dr. Shir was honored with the prestigious 2011 & 2010 America’s Top Dentist award.
