Health Action

Thought your teeth were just for smiles and biting food? Your teeth and gums are also an important part of your overall health. And your mouth can get you into some real trouble, affecting your heart and maybe even your baby if you are pregnant.

First of all, your mouth is a community of bacteria. Most of the bacteria living there ever so happily are harmless. With good flossing, brushing, healthy nutrition and rest, these little beasties know their place. But if they get out of control and cause some damage such as tooth decay and gum disease — which are forms of infections — they can also get into your bloodstream.

Another way those bacteria beasties can get into your blood and go straight to your heart is when they get all stirred up when you get dental work done. Some people with a history of heart disease or certain heart murmurs need to take antibiotics to prevent heart infections before getting their pearly whites worked on.

Newer evidence suggests that bacteria in your mouth and the chronic inflammation of your gums may be linked to heart damage and stroke. The inflammation and toxins from the bacteria contribute to the formation of clots, which cause heart damage, heart attacks and strokes. Cleaner teeth and healthier gums may be good for your heart and brain cells.

When bacteria causes gum disease during pregnancy, the risk of having a premature or low-birth-weight baby increases.

If you have diabetes and haven’t yet gotten your sugar levels under control, you are more prone to infections, including gum infections, so you may lose more teeth and your risk of heart problems may increase. Good glucose control and careful dental care will help keep your teeth where they belong and of course, it is good for your heart.

And it doesn’t take much to figure out the connection between bad breath and the health of your social life. While mints can cover up malodors, good dental hygiene is key.

So, how to protect your teeth?

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Replace your toothbrush every three months or earlier if the bristles start to look worn. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year is a great investment in you. Healthy eating with plenty of lean protein, fruit and vegetables helps those teeth. Limit snacks between meals. Limit the sugary sodas and candy; each dose of sugar against your teeth feeds those bacteria. And when you are going to have a lot of sugary foods, such as holiday candy, it’s best to have a lot at once and then brush your teeth. Intense short-term sugar doses are better for your teeth (or less harmful) than slow, constant, lower dose exposure to those sugar crystals.