Page 74 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2023

story by Lynn Lofton
Dr. Karen Crews, a general dentist at Beach View Family Dental Clinic and former instructor and assistant dean at the UMMC School of Dentistry, says, “Your mouth is a mirror that reflects your overall health and wellbeing, and it has been well documented that there is a systemic connection between the health of the mouth and the rest of the body.”
Orthodontist Matt McCabe, DMD, points out that oral health is
a window into your overall health. “Orthodontic problems such as misaligned teeth, difficulty chewing or shifting jaws, should be taken seriously. If left untreated, they could cause health issues down the line such as tooth decay, gum disease, and abnormal wearing of tooth enamel.”
According to Crews, research continues to demonstrate that in addition to complications with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and lung disease, poor oral health has been linked to a variety of other systemic health
issues, including Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. “While this relationship is still not fully understood and more information is being released with new research, good oral health is essential to overall health and wellbeing,” she said. “Dental
cavities and gum disease can create chronic inflammation which has been demonstrated
to cause medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.”
Additionally, medical studies have shown that the bacteria and inflammation associated with
gum disease may contribute to the development of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Because your mouth is an entry point to your respiratory system, pneumonia has also been
linked to poor oral health. “Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled or aspirated into the lungs, leading
to inflammation and infections,” Crews said. “This is especially true in people with weakened immune systems or who are already suffering from respiratory illnesses such
as COPD.”
The good news is that you can protect your oral health by
twice daily brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables and limits sugary foods and
drinks, avoiding or stopping any form of tobacco and vaping, and scheduling regular checkups with your dental office.
74 | June 2023
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