True Or False: You Can Add Years To Your Life By Having A Healthy Mouth?

True or false:  You Can Add Years To Your Life By Having A Healthy Mouth?

True!  Dr. Raymond Ferri of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry states, "Research has shown that there is a correlation between periodontal disease and chronic inflammatory conditions such as, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, preterm labor, low birth weight babies, stroke and respiratory disorders."  Also periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs of the body and begin new infections.  Infected gums can quadruple your chances for a heart attack and triple your chances for a stroke.  Inflammation from bacteria can cause havoc all through your body. 

Nutritional deficiencies are another underlying cause for both poor oral health and poor whole body health.  Someone who may have mouth pain or discomfort while eating may eat less and therefore, escalating their vitamin deficiencies.  Below are a few vitamins and their relation to good oral health.

Vitamin A  (carotene) - Prevents dry mouth and oral cancer.  Found in broccoli, brussel sprouts, green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens & etc. ).                                                                                       

Vitamin C (Absorbic acid) - Prevents soft bleeding gums & loose teeth.  Prevents oral cancer.  Found in citrus   fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, green leafy vegetables and bell peppers.

Vitamin D - Promotes strong teeth and jaw bones.  Found in oily fish, milk, eggs, cereal and sunshine

Vitamin E - Prevents growth of thick white patches in the mouth (leukoplakia).  It also prevents oral cancer.  It can be found in vegetable oil, nuts, peanut butter & wheat germ.

B2, Niacin, B6, B12 & Folic Acid - Prevents soreness, redness and bleeding of the gums, cracking and sores in the corner of the mouth and on the tongue.  These can be found in salmon, beef, liver, chicken, fish, yogurt, nuts, beans, breakfast cereals, orangejuice, spinach, pasta & rice.

Calcium, Phosphorous and Magnesium -  Needed for tooth development, prevents loss of jaw bone and teeth and rebuilds emnamel.  These are found in milk, cheese, yogurt, seafood and dark green leafy vegetables.

Fluoride - Prevents tooth decay helps repair enamel.  It can be found in fluoridated water, black tea & sardines.

Zinc - Needed for digestion, healing cold sores and canker sores.  It can be found in liver, various meats, eggs, seafood & whole grain cereals.                                                                                                                                         

Iodine - Needed for tooth development.  It can be found in iodized salt, seafood, kelp & salt water fish.

Copper - Absorbs iron and help produce blood and nerve fibers.  It can be found in liver, kidney, seafood, nuts, seeds and tap water.

Iron - Protects against oral cancer and helps the immune system.  It can be found in liver, eggs, fish, seafood, various other meats, enriched breads & cereals and green leafy vegetables.

Potassium - Needed for nerve function and muscle  contractions.  It can be found in vegetables, legumes fruits, milk, cheese, various meats and whole grains.

Periodontal disease is often called the silent disease because the “warning signs” typically occur in the advanced stages of the disease.  Some warning signs may include:

1)       Bleeding while brushing

2)       Sores in your mouth

3)       Persistent bad breath

4)       Red, swollen or tender gums

5)       Pus between your teeth

6)       Loose or separating teeth

7)       Receding gums

8)       A change in the way your teeth bite together

Remember:  The gateway to your body is through your mouth.  With proper dental care, regular check-ups, eating healthy and taking supplements, you can help add years to your life.