A Healthier You Begins In Your Mouth!

Many New Year’s resolutions pertain to getting fit and improving one’s health. While people switch to salads and spending more time on the treadmill, there are several ways to improve your overall health, all orally related.

Your mouth takes in an enormous amount of bacteria.When not removed, food particles create oral bacteria and reproduce in your mouth. This bacteria is the origin of periodontal (gum) disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. When oral bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can trigger an inflammatory reaction elsewhere in the body. Oral bacteria has been linked to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

Renew your commitment for twice daily brushing and flossing and keep those 6-month exams and cleanings. If your gums are tender or bleed when you brush, call (828) 274-9440 for a periodontal exam. The sooner your gums are restored to a healthy state, the less is required are treatment time and expense.

And, don’t forget that digestion begins in the mouth. Proper chewing helps the body break down food so it is processed efficiently. When you chew hurriedly, you feel less sated as well as complicate the body’s ability to break food down. Resolve to never put food in your mouth before swallowing well-chewed food that’s already in your mouth. With each bite, put your fork or spoon down while you chew thoroughly.

Before you renew your gym membership, remember the ways you can improve your health by focusing first on your mouth. Your decisions and commitment can be a tremendous asset to your health (and savings to your wallet)! Happy 2015!