Clean Mouth, Healthy Body: Why Oral Health is Good for Your Body.
Is oral hygiene really an essential part of health? The short answer is yes; Good oral health actually improves the overall health of your entire body.
The American Academy of Periodontology states that “infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body.”
Research suggests it’s not only bacteria that links oral infections to the rest of the body, inflammation could also link periodontal disease to many unhealthy and painful conditions. The Academy went so far as to suggest that poor oral health could even be linked with major health concerns like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even Alzheimer’s disease.
In particular, plaque, gum disease and gingivitis are thought to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke as there is research linking them to clogged arteries and blood clots. There are claims that chronically inflamed gums interfere with blood sugar control, this causing insulin resistance for diabetics, who are already more prone to gum infections.
While not all claims are validated by science, it’s easy to see that good oral health is intrinsically connected to overall good health.
Consider some of the parts of the mouth as indicators for health.
In Chinese medicine, the tongue is generally the first part of the body examined; its colour, texture and appearance are said to reflect parts of the body which are ailing. When we have acid problems, the enamel on our teeth wears thin. Teeth also show signs of nervous stress and tension as involuntary grinding wears causes tooth sensitivity, while bacteria on the tongue can indicate digestion and even breathing problems.
Of course saliva is used as a diagnostic tool by Western medical practitioners all the time!
We all know that brushing and flossing, avoiding sugary foods and regular dental check-ups help maintain good oral hygiene, but there are other ways to maintain good oral health.
A natural healing product such as Propolis is a great place to start. Propolis is product of the bee hive, where it is used to keep the hive together and protect it from invading bacteria. Propolis has natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities. When used in the mouth, it can help to prevent infection from a range of bacteria and even assist in the healing of existing oral infections.
Propolis can be purchased as a gargle or even as a toothpaste, making it an ideal way to help fight bacteria and maintain good oral hygiene.
So now you know – a clean mouth really does amount to a healthy body, and there are many ways you can improve your oral hygiene without a dreaded visit to the dentist’s chair!