Sadly, it is absolutely no exaggeration to say that incorrect dental health information can shorten your life. Simply stated, every single system in your body is connected so when common dental problems are allowed to get out of control, then other systems are affected and larger medical issues tend to develop. What may begin as a simple case of gingivitis may quickly become advanced periodontal disease which as been linked to a number of severe medical problems, including:
- Increased chances for stroke
- More likely to develop coronary artery disease or worsen the condition
- May develop infective endocarditis-an infection in the heart itself that can weaken and deteriorate this vital organ and shorten your life
Far too often, dental health and oral problems are not made priorities-even by some medical professionals. The vast majority of dental health products are designed to prevent tooth decay even though problems like severe periodontal disease can have far more severe consequences to your overall wellbeing. However, where common dental problems such as cavities and gum disease are concerned-the true threat is bacteria.
Your mouth plays host to dozens of different types of bacteria. Some of these microorganisms are actually helpful and may even be able to help control the other bacteria-you know, the harmful kind that cause disease, infection, and in some cases, death itself. The anaerobic bacteria (the harmful type) hate oxygen and therefore tend to breed better behind plaque and tartar where our saliva and simple oral hygiene cannot get to them. If these bacteria are not controlled, then they can threaten dental health and heart disease or other serious problems will arise when they spread beyond the oral cavity.
Human saliva is one of the most undervalued assets we possess and it can literally help prevent advanced periodontal disease and the spread of bacteria in our mouths. Saliva is loaded with oxygen which helps slow the reproductive cycle of anaerobic bacteria and thus make infection less likely.
Another key component in saliva-which actually makes it superior to many dental health products-is the presence of specialized enzymes that help produce antibodies that destroy the harmful varieties of bacteria. Any activity that causes dehydration and lower salivation rates puts you at risk for severe periodontal disease and cavities. Here are some common causes of dehydration that can put you at increased risk for developing common dental health problems:
- Medication
- Improper hydration (you need a minimum of ½ ounce of water for every pound of body weight-if relatively inactive. Your body needs approximately 2/3 ounces of water for every pound of body weight if active)
- Consuming any caffeinated products or alcohol
- Using stimulants or products that increase metabolism rates
- Excessive exercise or physical exertion
Although we all have been taught to use dental health products to fend off cavities and other potential problems with oral health, saliva is a very critical component to any long-term strategy for keeping bacteria at bay. Some dental health products are made with chemicals and other harsh ingredients that can actually lower salivation rates and put you at increase risk for developing advanced periodontal disease, cavities, and gingivitis. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to state that the wrong dental health information can potentially shorten your life so be sure to avoid activities that decrease salivation-including some dental health products that were supposedly created to prevent problems!
