C
D, MMs
, DM
Steuer
d
i
v
a
D
Dr.
Throughout history, experts relied on windows into our health: the eyes to check
on the soul, the mouth to gauge strength and longevity. Animals were bought
and sold based on this window philosophy. Today, as in ancient times, the
windows are more relevant than ever. There is mounting research to show that
the overall health of your mouth does in fact mirror or represent the condition
and health of your body. This research shows that maintaining a healthy oral
cavity may be linked to overall long-term health and quality of life.
THE HEART AND
MOUTH CONNECTION
HABITS OF GOOD
ORAL HEALTH
According to the American Dental Association and the American Medical Association,
there is a relationship between the condition
of the gums and the condition of the
cardiovascular system. Gum health is
primarily a result of oral care, personal
habits, and, to an extent, genetics. With
appropriate effort and proper hygiene,
threats to the health of our gums can be
eliminated or controlled. However, failure
to maintain gum health has other health
consequences. Sub-optimal conditions
of the heart can be traced to unhealthy
gums, underscoring how important oral
health care is.
Knowing that the oral cavity both reflects
our bodies’ condition and impacts our
physical health, it is imperative that we
make a daily habit of a few simple, proactive
maintenance measures.
6 / SPRING 2016 LIVING MAGAZINE
So what do we do? First, let’s assume that
we have all made the decision to reduce
or nearly eliminate processed sugar. When
you eat food or drink beverages containing
sugar or starch, your mouth becomes acidic
for 20 minutes or more, creating a threat
to gums and teeth. Second, we have made
the decision to eat healthy balanced meals,
incorporating healthy fats, lean proteins,
complex carbohydrates, rough foliage, and
low sugar fruits and vegetables, thus reducing food sources that compromise our oral
health, creating a more healthy environment for the mouth.