Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
So many times, when we look at a person, the first thing we may notice is their wonderful smile. Each smile is unique to each person and may show a little aspect of their personality.
However, sometimes those smiles are not as presentable as they could be and maintaining the structures in one’s mouth is very important to good health. It’s not just about caring for one’s teeth. The tongue and gums require attention too!
There are lots of bacteria in one’s mouth. We call this normal oral flora. Sometimes these normal bacteria can grow and become a danger to one’s health, especially when a person fails to brush their teeth and tongue or fails to floss in between the teeth and gums. Normal flora bacteria are very important. When aided by brushing and flossing, it helps keep our oral health in check.
As we age, the ratio of the various types of bacteria that exist in our mouths can change and it can lead to dental caries, which is tooth decay or cavities.
Dental caries can be a chronic infection. It often happens when “plaque on teeth converts sugars into acids that erode tooth structure”. This is also how normal flora bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus viridans become dangerous. In a person with poor dentition and dental hygiene, these bacteria can make their way into the bloodstream ultimately leading to cardiovascular issues such as bacterial endocarditis (deteriorating heart valves).
Your mouth is the beginning of your digestive system. The things you consume affect your health. There is a connection between what goes on in the mouth and so many conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, prenatal issues and even Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, good health cannot be achieved without good oral health. The way one cares for his/ her mouth is very important to achieving good health.
In is important to brush your teeth several times a day: in the morning, at night before going to beds and after meals during the day. To prevent halitosis (bad breath), a large majority of Americans also use mouthwash to kill the germs that cause bad breath.
Today, some scientists are debating the issue of what kind of toothpaste to use. It has been found that some toothpastes contain certain chemicals that may harm the normal bacteria in the mouth. These chemicals can break down a person’s natural protective barrier and cause harm.
Think of brushing your teeth as nourishing your teeth. Using healthy toothpaste is the answer. Fluoride may not be your mouth’s friend, and it has been shown to impact the brain and the IQ of a child. There is no safe level of fluoride. Look for a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, which is a calcium, as a good toothpaste to prevent cavities in a healthy way.
These same scientists also question whether we should be using mouthwash. It tends to kill the normal bacteria of the mouth, which can lead to harm. Studies have shown that using antiseptic mouth wash two times a day for 10 to 15 seconds for two weeks can result in hypertension as a pivotal bacterium is diminished by the antiseptic. By that same token, stopping the mouthwash will reverse this event. Tongue scraping actually decreases your blood pressure by keeping certain bacteria in your oral cavity happy.
Mouth breathing, talking a lot, exercising with your mouth open, sleeping with your mouth open can change the pH in the mouth, drying out the tissues. This allows the bad bugs to take over and cause problems. So, how do you take care of your teeth? Try to avoid dry mouth.
Take care of the bacteria in the mouth. Water picks can help. Flossing is good but can be difficult to do. Use a soft toothbrush. Carbohydrates, processed foods, fructose and dried fruits may cause problems. Keep your diabetes under control. Follow these tips and you too may be able to maintain a beautiful smile and your health.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
