The Connection Between Your Mouth and Your Body

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the tissues which secure your teeth in place. It is suffice to say good dental health is important. No one ever has a wish to lose their teeth. Periodontal disease is highly prevalent in older adults, affecting; 34% of the American population aged >30 years (; 36 million persons), and it is severe in; 13% of adults*. Periodontal disease is typically caused by inadequate brushing and flossing habits. What are the causes of periodontal disease? Most times it starts with you. Brushing your teeth and flossing after are good habits to start and maintain. Not including brushing and flossing in your routine your mouth is open to a plaque attack. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria left unchecked plaque will build up on teeth and harder.

Various Studies have shown that periodontal disease has important systemic associations which can affect the risk factors for disease such as cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Since there seems to be a connection between oral health care and cardiovascular disease, why not look at some preventative care?

Now there are other reasons for cardiovascular disease can occur. Periodontal disease is preventable, taking a look at your oral health care habits may be useful. Below are some suggestions on how to prevent periodontal disease.

(1) The old standard of brushing your teeth at least two times as day still makes great sense. Now with travel and products like the Colgate Wisp, brushing throughout the day is even easier. Brushing can help to remove plaque on the tongue. This can cause bad breath and is an ideal chance for bacteria to start growing.

(2) Try an electric toothbrush which features rotating and oscillating. You may discover using this type of toothbrush can assist in the removal of plaque. (See our last blog - http://embryhillsdentalcare.blogspot.com/2012/01/is-power-toothbrush-right-for-you.html)

(3) Use an antiseptic mouthwash – there are several, try the one which has good reviews from your dentist

(4) Yes, get in the habit of flossing at least once a day. Curve the floss around each of your teeth. Do not rush. Be gentle as you slide the dental floss just under the gum line. Then use the floss moving it up and down to scrape of the plaque.

Dental care is important to your overall health. There are a lot of advertisements which only focus on a cosmetically appealing smile. However, having a health smile is even more important. You should make and keep your dental appointments. Working with your dental care professional can help you improve your health over the long run.

Article references

(*) Albandar JM, Brunelle JA, Kingman A. Destructive periodontal disease in adults 30 years of age and older in the United States, 1988–1994. J Periodontol 1999; 70:13-29.

When you have questions about periodontal disease, please contact John Robinson, DMD, at Embry Hills Dental Care 678-383-2622.

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Avoid Tooth Decay - With Good Daily Habits

Good dental health starts on the inside. A balanced diet that includes calcium and vitamins A, C, and D will help the teeth develop, from the womb to the time that they are fully formed. Good eating habits will help you maintain healthy teeth, but beware of a diet rich in sugar! It will increase the risk of cavities. Despite repeated warnings linking sugar consumption to tooth decay, the average North American reportedly eats 100 to 130 pounds [50 to 60 kg] of sugar each year! Why does sugar have the potential to harm our teeth?

Tooth decay is caused by two kinds of bacteria—“mutans streptococci and lactobacilli”—that become a part of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food debris that forms on the teeth. Plaque bacteria feeds on sugar and converts it into harmful acids that begin decay. Certain types of sugar are more easily turned into acids or are more likely to adhere to the teeth, giving the plaque more time to begin tooth decay. Plaque that is not removed can harden into calculus, or tartar, around the gum line.


Controlling the plaque and especially the mutans streptococci bacteria is essential for preventing the spread of tooth decay. So if you want to preserve your smile, daily oral hygiene is a must. The Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery states: “Combined with flossing, [brushing the teeth] is the single most important thing that you can do to maintain the health and vitality of your teeth and their supporting tissues.” Effective methods of brushing and flossing are illustrated on this and the following page. Your dentist may recommend other tools and techniques that will help you to clean your teeth effectively and thus protect your smile.

Repeated acid attacks cause demineralization, or softening of the tooth’s enamel surface. However, such lesions are being remineralized every day. How? It has been shown that fluorides continue to help prevent decay by helping the remineralization process. Thus, while decay is an infectious process, it is also reversible if certain factors, such as fluorides, are present.

Having your teeth cleaned by a dental professional once or twice a year will aid in keeping your teeth free of plaque. Dental Hygienists have special instruments designed to remove plaque buildup and flush out bacteria under the gums.

If you wish to minimize tooth plaque, good oral hygiene is needed. Brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for your cleanings. Follow some simple daily steps and plaque, tooth decay and bad breath will no longer be an issue.

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