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A Total Health Perspective at the Dentist
Every year, 20 million Americans go to the dentist but do not see a physician.
When you look in your mouth you may see teeth that need whitening,
but a dentist may see signs of heart disease. A study published in the
Journal of Dental Research
found that many dental problems can be signs of serious health
complications. University of Washington School of Dentistry professor
Philippe P. Hujoel, DDS, PhD, says the sugar and carbohydrates in food,
known as "fermentable carbohydrates," are to blame. Found in sugary
drinks, snack foods like potato chips, and simple grains like white
bread and corn, these carbs are fermented by bacteria in your mouth,
which produces the acids that cause tooth decay. "Those dental diseases
are a marker for an unhealthy diet, and an unhealthy diet may predict
future health complications," Dr. Hujoel notes.
#1: Obesity
"If
a kid has tooth decay and cavities, he probably has high exposure to
fermentable carbs," Dr. Hujoel says. "He's really having too many snacks
and candy, and this may very well be the kid that ends up obese." For
adults, too, an increase in cavities could mean you're eating too many
unhealthy foods, which also puts you at risk for obesity. A dentist who
knows your medical history may ask about your eating habits, but you
should feel free to ask if what's happening to your teeth might be a
sign of other problems.
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#2: Cardiovascular disease
The
same carbs in snack foods and sugary drinks that get dentists drilling
are often found in the company of unhealthy ingredients like trans
fatty acids. While trans fats themselves don't cause cavities, they're
often used in foods with high amounts of cavity-causing fermentable
carbs, and they have been associated with an increase in cardiovascular
disease. Whenever you can, replace processed, packaged food with
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For those sweet treats you can't
give up, check the labels to make sure they're trans fat free.
It's
also possible for cavities themselves to threaten your heart, if the
bacteria that produce them find their way into your cardiovascular
system. Bacteria associated with tooth and gum disease may also be
involved in stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems—so brush and
floss every day.
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#3: Diabetes
The
fermentable carbohydrates in sugary drinks and snacks loaded with
carbs increase your blood sugar level drastically, raising the risk of
type 2 diabetes, Dr. Hujoel says. Which is one more reason to switch to
a diet that produces fewer cavities. "Lifelong usage of high
fermentable carbohydrates first leads to dental disease, and then,
long-term, leads to other health outcomes," Dr. Hujoel adds.
#4: Cancer
Not
only does a tooth-unhealthy diet put you at risk for obesity, which is
a risk factor for certain cancers, harmful lifestyle habits like
smoking can produce tooth discoloration and periodontal destruction.
Abnormalities in your mouth, including bleeding gums and cavities,
should be a natural alarm bell, Dr. Hujoel says. So always ask your
dentist if your tooth problems could point toward a wider problem.
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#5: Alzheimer's disease
In a study just published in The Journal of the American Dental Association,
people who lost most of their teeth were more likely to develop
dementia problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, later on. It will take
more research to clarify what the connection between tooth loss and
brain health may be. But is seems that keeping your teeth as healthy
possible has benefits that go far beyond your mouth.