HEALTHY HABITS: Brush, floss and be healthy

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HEALTHY HABITS: Brush, floss and be healthy
Oct 02, 2007
By Betsy Wadland
GHS
The Daily News Transcript

Dentists have long known there is a strong relationship between oral health and general health. Colleen Gallagher, R.N. and director of special programs for the Natick VNA, concurs. "Oral health can be an indicator of how that person takes care of themselves, and good oral health is essential for your overall health. Our nurses do an oral exam when patients are admitted. Chances are, if they're taking care of their mouths, they're taking care of their bodies."

What's all of this mounting evidence saying? The jury is still out, but given the fact that 90 percent of systemic conditions - such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis - are linked to symptoms in the mouth, the connection is worth paying attention to. Here's what the WebMD Web site says about it:
* Diabetes and your mouth have blood sugar in common. If blood sugar levels are out of control in your body because you don't know you have diabetes, they're out of control in your mouth. With sugar to feed on, bacteria find a happy home in which to grow and thrive. The bacteria then attack the protective enamel layer on your teeth, and over time as the enamel breaks down, cavities develop - one of the dental signs of diabetes.
* According to the American Heart Association, poor oral health could increase your chances of developing heart disease - more so than the usual suspects of cholesterol and triglyceride levels. "We think it's the bacteria, or the inflammatory response from the bacteria, that might cause inflammation of the heart and more plaque buildup in the blood vessels," says Dr. Rick Kellerman, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
* Osteoporosis that weakens the jaw may lower a person's defense against bacteria that affect the gums, which can lead to periodontal disease. The risk of tooth loss is three times greater for women with osteoporosis than for women who do not have the disease.
* Women are more likely than men to develop oral health problems. During times of increased hormone levels, such as during puberty, pregnancy, their menstrual cycle and menopause, women can be more sensitive to small amounts of plaque or bacteria. In addition, pregnant women who develop periodontal disease have a higher risk of premature labor and giving birth to a low birth weight baby.
* Smokers are at a greater risk for a long list of unpleasant oral issues, with tooth loss leading the pack. Forty-one percent of daily smokers over the age of 65 are toothless, compared with one third of the general population in the same age group.

What can you do to keep your mouth (and body) healthy?

"Given the link between the periodontitis and systemic health problems, preventing periodontitis may turn out to be an important step in maintaining overall health," advises the American Dental Association. "In most cases, this can be done with good daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular professional care. Tell your dentist about changes in your oral health, including any recent illnesses or chronic conditions. Provide an updated health history, including medication, both prescription and over-the-counter products. And, if you smoke, talk to your dentist about options for quitting."

Betsy Wadland is director of development for the Natick VNA, a nonprofit health care organization providing home care to thousands of people throughout MetroWest each year. For more information, call the VNA at 508-653-3081.

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