A healthy mouth for a healthy body Print E-mail
Written by Ann Generlich, Purity Laboratories/Beverly Hills Formula   
Maintaining oral hygiene should be a lifelong habit, because a healthy mouth is essential for a healthy body. The battle to stay healthy by looking after your teeth and gums involves keeping plaque at bay, a message emphasised by the British Dental Health Foundation during National Smile Month 2006. Research suggests that serious diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, oral cancer, diabetes, ulcers or pneumonia can start in the mouth. There is growing clinical evidence that small infections in the mouth may be a contributing factor to several diseases. Hundreds of different oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through small tears in the gums and can be especially dangerous to people who have chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes.

The bacteria can infect the liver and cause it to produce artery-clogging proteins, or may directly infect the arteries causing blockages and heart attacks. New research suggests that losing teeth at a young age could be an early warning of Alzheimer’s in later life. Studies have shown a link between gum disease marked by tooth loss and brain disease. Scientists think it is not the gum disease but the accompanying inflammation that helps to trigger Alzheimer’s. The early exposure to inflammation quadruples the risk of developing the disease in later life, the research suggests.

C-reactive protein (CRP) serves as a marker of such inflammation. It is raised as a result of acute injury, infection and auto-immune disorders, and is produced by diseased coronary arteries. As such it has been linked to atherosclerosis and risk of heart attack. Although inherited genes for Alzheimer’s are a much bigger risk factor, infections such as influenza, rheumatic fever and tuberculosis also create inflammation.

Health promotion


Today, concern with personal health is increasing. Much can be done to reduce the burden of oral diseases and achieve health promotion objectives by using a multifaceted approach that includes community-based initiatives, self-care and professional care.

Strong health education messages are vital. The following initiatives need to be developed:

  • Caries prevention by dietary control (limiting snacks high in sugars), daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, use of fluoride mouth rinse and dental floss;
  • Water fluoridation;
  • Frequent routine dental examinations;
  • Oral health advice.

Public information campaigns are a significant stepping-stone and there should be more support for health professionals in doing this. Early diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, best accomplished through periodic examinations, reduce patients’ risk of tooth loss and systemic health effects.

Brushing teeth with toothpaste is important for several reasons. Firstly, toothpaste and a correct brushing action remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that grows on teeth and causes caries, bad breath, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. Secondly, toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralisation, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen. Other ingredients help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains. Finally toothpastes help freshen the breath.

New toothpaste ingredients


Manufacturers are developing toothpastes with active ingredients to promote healthy teeth and gums as a vital part of a proactive health maintenance regime. Multi-action, antibacterial ingredients help fight plaque. Xylitol, for example, inhibits the growth of bacteria, resulting in fewer cavities and increased protection against gum disease. Although a natural sweetener, xylitol is not fermentable by cavity-causing oral bacteria so does not contribute to tooth decay. It can also make plaque less adhesive and stimulate salivary flow so helps to relieve dry mouth as well as clearing bacteria.

Calcium lactate prevents the build-up of tartar irritating the gums and prevents it attracting the harmful bacterial products. Folic acid helps with tissue growth and cell function, making the gums more resilient. Many of these new ingredients are anti-oxidants. Studies have shown that people who suffer with periodontal (gum and jaw) disease and gingivitis may be deficient in the anti-oxidant coenzyme Q10, which has a protective and strengthening action in all tissues. Taking a supplement containing coenzyme Q10 can decrease inflammation in tissues affected by gingivitis. The natural amount of coenzyme Q10 in the body declines with age, so anyone over 50 will especially benefit from this supplement. By using a toothpaste containing coenzyme Q10 it is possible to alter the balance of oral bacteria in favour of desirable bacteria and to create a less favourable environment for the bacteria responsible for gum disease.

Green tea, another anti-oxidant, suppresses bacterial growth in the mouth, slowing down the build-up of plaque and helping to prevent cavities. Green tea contains various compounds such as catechin, epigallocatechin, flavonoids, bioflavonoids, fluoride, gallic acid, polyphenols, tannin, theophylline, vitamin C as well as a small amount of caffeine.

Lactoferrin, whey (milk) protein, plays an important role in protecting against pathogens. Its benefits in toothpaste include anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects; it also helps to resolve oral lesions and prevents adhesion of bacteria to periodontal tissues and teeth. Lastly, it guards against dry mouth.

Aloe vera is a soothing and healing agent. Also an anti-oxidant, it can be beneficial in gum disease and is used as a sedative dressing in root canal treatments. Vitamin E also has a protective effect against free radicals. Folic acid or panthenol (vitamin B5) are premium ingredients in some high-quality toothpaste products. Folic acid helps to build new cells and therefore helps with tissue growth and cell function as well as gingivitis and making the gums more resilient and problem-resistant. Folic acid therefore improves oral health. Panthenol (vitamin B5) gives new life to gums and strengthens the enamel.

So maintaining a healthy smile begins at home. Besides regular dental checkups, spending a few minutes caring for the teeth can also help maintain a healthy body.

 
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