Your Mouth and Your Health

By Michael S Saoud, DMD

Michael S. Saoud, DMD

. https://www.drsaoud.com/

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Your Mouth and Your Health

By now, most everyone has heard of the link between bacteria in the mouth and heart disease. It seems that every time we turn on the news there is another link between decay and gum disease and overall health. While the extent is unknown, the connection is undeniable. The link is even more profound in patients that have a compromised situation like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, steroid therapy and any cardiac conditions, including high blood pressure. The health of your mouth cannot be ignored if you want to achieve overall health and the happiness and quality of life that true health provides. The good news is that oral health can be achieved comfortably and with excellent results that can last years, if not decades. Let's take a quick look at things that cause oral disease and compromise overall health.

1. Decay in teeth. Decay is the common name for the disease process (infection) that occurs in teeth. Decay can be found in any location of teeth, but is usually found in the grooves of chewing teeth, in between teeth where floss would clean or around and under old or ill-fitting crowns and fillings. Symptoms can range from sensitivity to sweets and cold to discomfort when chewing or brushing. Unfortunately, these symptoms may not reveal themselves until the infection is advanced. Decay is isolated to the tooth in the beginning, but can become systemic when it gets close to the nerve in the center of the tooth. If you wait until things start to hurt or become sensitive, additional care may be required to fix the tooth and eliminate the infection.

2. Periodontal disease and/or gingivitis. This is also a bacterial infection, but it is located in the gum and bone. It destroys the bone that holds in your teeth. This infection can enter your system thru the gums. The bacteria live in the plaque and tartar that are on the teeth and roots. They also live in the grooves between fillings and crowns that go beneath the gums. This is usually a painless disease but can reveal itself through bleeding gums (especially when flossing), discoloration of the gums, gum and bone loss (recession or exposed roots), loose teeth and swelling of the tissues.

Fortunately, these problems can be fixed. While the steps necessary vary based upon the specific needs of the individual patient, a few basic principles must be addressed.

1. Remove and replace any ill fitting or worn out dental fillings or crowns. The new restorations must fit exquisitely. All decay/infection must be removed from the teeth and the new dentistry must be easily cleansable on a daily basis and provide a stable bite and attractive smile.

2. Any dentistry that extends below the gums and therefore causes or contributes to infection must be removed and replaced in a manner in which it is at or slightly above the gum line. This will ensure that the dental work does not contribute to further problems down the road.

3. Exceptional maintenance with your dentist and hygienist as well as excellent homecare on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many patients forget this last portion and many problems develop down the road that could have been avoided. Some patients may need to see the hygienist every six months; some may need to be seen much more frequently. Again, this is based upon the individual patient's needs. No matter, this is crucial for long-term health. You would not buy a new car or get a new engine and then neglect the oil changes and tune-ups. If so, the car will not last like it could.

With the advances in science occurring at such a rapid pace, keeping up with the literature can be difficult and you may have questions regarding your health and/or a friend and family members. Do not hesitate to contact your dentist with any questions that you may have. The good news is that these problems can be addressed and you can be put on a path to overall health with a smile that will last a lifetime. Don't procrastinate; get healthy today.