How Can Your Teeth Affect Your Organ Health?

The human body is a complex network of various systems and structures, all of which need to work together if you are to enjoy optimum wellness. One part of the body that often gets dismissed as unimportant is the teeth. The truth is, though, that they are critically important! In fact, they could even affect your organ health. How is that the case? This blog post explains.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Your mouth is more than just the gateway that you use to consume nutrients. It can have big consequences for your head-to-toe health. Here are a few examples of how that is true:

• Dental infections, such as infected teeth and gum disease, can allow harmful bacteria into the bloodstream and increase inflammation throughout your body.
• The Meridien Tooth Chartdetails how teeth are connected to various organs via energy pathways that run through the body.
• Healthy teeth can allow you to eat lots of nutritious foods, which can support organ health.

Specific Examples of How Teeth and Gums Can Affect Organ Health

Much of the research on the mouth-body connection focuses on how oral health affects cardiovascular health. Scientists have consistently found a strong correlation between poor oral health (specifically, gum disease) and heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. This could be due to the fact that gum disease increases the body’s overall burden of inflammation.

Other organs may also be affected by poor oral health. For example:

• Advanced gum disease may adversely affect liver health.
• Tooth loss and oral inflammation are linked with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
• Some types of cancer may be more likely to develop in individuals with gum disease and other severe oral health conditions.
• Untreated tooth infections may allow harmful bacteria to travel to the brain, which can lead to a rare but life-threatening condition known as a brain abscess.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Clearly, your mouth is critical for your overall wellness! Here are a few tips to keep yourself healthy:

• Stick to good habits. For example, you should see your holistic dentist regularly and have a thorough oral hygiene routine.
• Pay attention to nutrition. Eating lots of nutrient-rich foods can support your oral health and your organ health.
• Avoid harmful behaviors. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are bad for your entire body, including your teeth and gums!

A healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body! Learning about this connection can equip you to protect your wellness from head-to-toe.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Preetha Thomas is a skilled holistic dentist who is dedicated to helping the Southlake community enjoy healthy smiles and healthy bodies. If you are curious about the mouth-body connection or are in need of an oral health checkup, she and our team would be pleased to serve you. Contact Enclave Dental at 817-912-1218.