North Country Health Nuggets October

North Country Health Nuggets

October is a special opportunity to promote great oral hygiene in our communities.  Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.  Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless but the mouth is the entry to the digestive tract. The mouth also is the entry to the respiratory tract. Germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Oral germs, swelling and inflammation, are linked to a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. Studies suggest that these germs and inflammation might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's ability to fight infection that can make oral health problems worse.

What conditions can be linked to oral health?

• Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.  It most often happens when germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart. Infection of the endocardium is rare. But it can be fatal.
• Heart disease.  Heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause.
• Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease called periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
• Pneumonia. Certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

• Diabetes. Diabetes makes the body less able to fight infection. So diabetes can put the gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and be more serious in people who have diabetes. 
• HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
• Cancer. A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease. These include cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus.
• Alzheimer's disease. As Alzheimer's disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.
• Certain medicines can lower the flow of saliva and lead to dry mouth. Those medicines include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills and antidepressants.  Without enough saliva, harmful bacteria can grow, leading to an increased risk of cavities, gum disease and other oral infections.

To Improve or Maintain Oral Health

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Sooner if bristles are worn
• Clean between teeth regularly with floss or water pic
• Visit the dentist for routine check-ups and professional cleaning every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist or hygienist
• Drink fluoridated water.
• Don't smoke or use oral tobacco
• If you are planning to become pregnant, have a dental checkup.
• Eat a well-balanced diet avoiding sugary and processed foods that contribute to tooth decay. 
• Educate yourself on oral health conditions and prevention techniques

(Oral health: A window to your overall health - Mayo Clinic)

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services  (Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)