Bad Teeth? It’s Not Just Your Smile That’s In Jeopardy

If you suffer from bleeding gums, sensitive teeth or severe halitosis (bad breath) you may be well on your way to developing periodontal (gum) disease if you haven’t already achieved it. Most people understand that gum disease leads to the loss of teeth and expensive orthodontic procedures. What is less commonly known however is the effect that this disease and corrective procedures can have on the rest of your body.

According to a study reported in a major dental science journal, the bacterial waste products can enter the blood stream from the infected areas of the mouth and travel to other areas of the body.

(Journal of Periodontology January 2002;73:73-78)

The study has shown that adults in the United States have an alarming 30% rate of periodontal disease. There appears to be a link between the bacteria from this disease to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Dental procedures such as root canals may also have severe adverse reactions to your overall health. When a root canal is performed, it leaves a dead tooth in the jaw creating a breeding ground for millions of bacteria with a direct pipeline, through canals in the tooth, to the bloodstream. The build up of the toxins created by the procedure can slowly poison your body. Such poisoning has been linked to many disorders and conditions from auto-immune diseases to cancer as well as emotional issues.

The best prevention tactic is, of course, good oral hygiene. A consistent schedule of brushing and flossing can greatly reduce incidences of gum disease. While commercial dental products will get the job done, a better solution is using all natural ingredients which are superior as well as highly concentrated as they do not contain additional chemical fillers and perfumes. Some suggestions are baking soda, cayenne pepper extract, olive oil, tea tree oil, sea salt and spearmint essential oil.

Additional prevention methods include avoiding foods and drinks that are known to promote tooth decay like soda, sugary foods and foods high in carbohydrates. In addition, avoid invasive dental procedures whenever possible. If your dentist recommends a root canal, it would be prudent to seek a second opinion from another professional familiar with more natural treatments.

Remember that your teeth are living things with a blood supply and nerves. As with the rest of the body, they require oxygen and sufficient nutrients to maintain optimum health. So take care of your teeth. A bright healthy smile is not the only benefit of good oral hygiene.