A healthy mouth is vital for overall health, and if you have been less than diligent about your oral hygiene, the rest of your body could be suffering for it.

According to Orange County’s most popular dentist, Dr. Jack Ringer, your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body and plays a huge role in your overall health. Even that small cavity that you have been ignoring could be placing undue stress on your heart.

So what is the connection?

According to the American Dental Association, over 70 percent of American adults have some sort of gum disease whether it is gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease. Gum disease triggers other illnesses and travels through the bloodstream. Plaque and tartar will attach themselves to the arteries in your heart, which could lead to congestive heart failure and heart disease.

How does Gum Disease get in the Bloodstream?

If there is no infection present, there are no gaps between the teeth and gums. Those gaps, which are caused by plaque and tartar, allow bacteria to reach the bloodstream infecting all of your other organs, including your brain. When bacteria get past your gum line and enter your blood stream you are opening yourself up to all kinds of health issues.

Once those pockets start to form between your teeth and gums you can expect:

• Infection-Once plaque, tartar, and bacteria have reached your bloodstream, it can travel anywhere.
• Injury-Once the bacteria is in your blood it can turn into exotoxins or proteins that can permanently injure tissue.
• Inflammation-Once bacteria has gotten into your bloodstream your body will do its best to respond by invading the bacteria. This will cause you to swell and become inflamed. If you suffer from gingivitis or periodontal disease, you will have constant inflammation.

When you consider the connection between age and inflammatory disease, it is imperative that you practice good oral hygiene, including regular dental checkups in Orange County.

If you suffer from gum disease, you could be at risk for:

• Breast cancer
• IBS
• Diabetes
• Prostate cancer
• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Weight gain
• Osteoporosis
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Stroke
• Infective endocarditis
• Heart attack
• Thickening of the arteries
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Dr. Jack Ringer, an Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, explains that having a healthy mouth needs to be number one if you are considering a cosmetic dentist Anaheim Hills.

Any type of cosmetic dentistry, including placing porcelain veneers or planning an Invisible braces treatment cannot take place until you take care of teeth and gums. Even if you have your heart set on professional in office tooth whitening, that will have to wait until you fill those cavities and get rid of that gum disease.

According to Dr. Jack Ringer, it’s much more than brushing twice and flossing once each day.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to brushing and flossing is plaque and tartar prevention. Avoiding an infection around your teeth and gums will prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream. If your gums stay tight against your teeth there is no way infection can enter your body.

Below are some tips Dr. Ringer recommends that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy:

• Brush twice a day-Using a soft bristled toothbrush. Make sure that you swap out your brush every three months or when it begins to look worn and frayed.
• Floss before brushing-If you floss before you brush, you will catch more of those left over food particles. Gently floss around each tooth in a u-shaped motion.
• Schedule regular dental appointments-Depending on your overall health, Dr. Ringer recommends twice-yearly dental appointments along with professional cleanings. If you suffer from diabetes or any other disease that can cause problems with your teeth and gums, ask Dr. Ringer how often you should schedule an appointment.
• Include Super foods in your meal plans-Wild salmon, cheese and even dark chocolate can keep your mouth healthy. Although oranges are highly acidic they are also high in vitamin C. According to Oral B, vitamin C helps to strengthen your connective tissue and blood vessels helping slow down gum disease progression reducing the risk of inflammation. Rinse with water and be sure to wait 30-minutes after enjoying before brushing.

• Water-Your thirst should be quenched all day every day. Drink at least 8 glasses of water. Just remember that most bottled waters don’t contain fluoride. Tap water contains fluoride, but if you don’t like the taste or just can’t stomach tap water, talk to Dr. Ringer about a fluoride supplement to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
• Clean teeth properly-When it comes to the mouth and body connection, it all starts with oral hygiene. Pay attention to your brushing and flossing. If you are unsure how to brush and floss correctly, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ringer who can show you the proper way to brush and floss your teeth.

When it comes to a healthy mouth it all starts with brushing, flossing, healthy meal choices and regular appointments with your dentist.

Call or click for a dental checkup with Dr. Ringers Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills today.