April ushers in the rebirth of spring, but plants and air aren’t the only fresh things this time of year. National Oral Health Month is in April, calling for fresh breath and better hygiene habits. As part of this event, the Canadian Dental Association wants to draw attention to the value of a healthy mouth.

Oral health and your body

Oral health might focus on your mouth in name, but it can impact your entire body. Infections that begin in the mouth can spread when unchecked, just as issues elsewhere often come with oral symptoms. What’s more, oral health problems are sometimes linked to more serious illnesses. In fact, the Canadian Dental Association stressed that oral health problems may be symptoms of cancer. With about 3,200 Canadians being diagnosed with oral cancer each year, dental care and awareness is important.

In addition to cancer, issues in your mouth could be a sign of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV, and premature birth and low birth weight. For example, a study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that participants with pre-existing periodontal disease and fewer than 10 remaining teeth were more likely to contract coronary heart disease than those with more teeth. Researchers noted that a loss of teeth can lead to poor eating habits, though diet is only a small contributing factor to these results.

Periodontal infections aren’t only bad for the heart, but they may also cause premature birth in pregnant women. A study from the Journal of the American Dental Association confirmed this link. With this in mind, keeping your gums and teeth healthy is not only good for your mouth, but it also protects your body. So how can you and your kids preserve your smiles?

Read more on…  Dental care tips for National Oral Health Month

Author: Health & Lifestyle