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Don’t give these common dental issues the brush-off, they’re key to a healthy life | by GRACE TOBY A SEMI-ANNUAL DATE WITH YOUR DENTIST WILL
not only ensure that you leave your appointment with a bright smile and clean mouth, but also help you stay on top of your general health. “Regular dental visits help with early diagnosis and prevention of dental disease and act as a screening tool to detect potentially serious conditions,” says Dr. Effie Habsha, a board-certified prosthodontist, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Along with checkups every six months, the Canadian Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth (and tongue) at least twice a day and flossing daily. Why is maintenance so important? “Research shows that infections in the mouth can travel via the bloodstream, permeating organs and your immune system,” says Dr. Habsha. “Studies have linked poor oral hygiene, tooth decay and periodontal disease to a number of illnesses, including heart and respiratory disease.” That sounds ominous, but the point to focus on is this: Good oral health can help ensure good general health. Use our Best Health guide to know what to look for.
CAVITIES Indulging in a daily sugar fix could be digging a hole in your tooth. “Too much sugar in your diet, poor oral hygiene and neglect can lead to cavities,” says Dr. Michael Rouhi, a dentist based in Toronto. Also, if you overload on acidic foods or drinks (such as
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lemon water), you might want to ease up, as these contribute to dental erosion, too. Get your cavities filled immediately – if left unattended, cavities can grow larger, leading to nerve pain and affecting your ability to eat. These cavities can also lead to a tooth infection, which can spread to other areas of the body, including your brain. A lack of moisture in the mouth creates an environment that’s ripe for tooth decay. Our saliva plays an important role in removing bacteria and food debris from our teeth while mediating the pH balance in our mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, check your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, as this is a common side effect.
BAD BREATH “Eighty to 90 percent of bad breath is caused by bacteria that lingers in your mouth, producing volatile, foulsmelling sulfur compounds,” says Dr. Rouhi. Smell familiar? It’s the same offensive odour that rotten eggs emit. The more bacteria you have, the worse your halitosis. Easy fix: Along with brushing, clean your tongue and floss daily. A Canadian Health Measures Survey found that we’re getting a failing grade in flossing, with just over onequarter of respondents flossing at least five times a week. “If this step isn’t part of your daily routine, you’re missing 20 percent of the tooth surface, and what’s left behind produces the perfect breeding ground for destructive bacteria,” says dentist Dr. Uche Odiatu. You can be excused for the occasional hiccup because of a garlic-laced lunch, but if dragon’s breath persists, it’s time to identify the root cause and contributing health factors. The three main culprits of chronic bad breath include: • postnasal drip (the result of excessive mucus from your nose accumulating in the back of your throat); • gum disease; and • an underlying gut problem, such as dysbiosis. besthealthmag.ca
