THE MOUTH BODY CONNECTION
water per day.
• Maintain good home care. At
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and brushing.
Dentists have observed that
• More frequent cleanings, if
illnesses and conditions of the
recommended.
mouth, gums, and teeth are di-
• Accept scaling and root plan-
rectly related to illnesses and
ning of the teeth if recommended
or specialist referral.
conditions in the rest of the
body. Research is backing this
• Follow up with periodontal
XS ,QÀDPPDWLRQ DQG EDFWHUL-
maintenance visits.
al infections in the mouth and
• Try to maintain a healthy
diseases like diabetes, heart dis-
balance of exercise, proper diet,
ease, stroke and even pregnancy
DQGVXI¿FLHQWUHVW
issues, like low birth-weight in-
• Visit your medical doctor for
appropriate check-ups.
fants are related!
• Let your dentist know about
,QÀDPPDWLRQ LV WKH ¿UVW UH-
any changes or issues with your
sponse of the immune system to
general health.
injury, infection or irritation. Its
purpose is to isolate and elimi-
Maintaining a healthy mouth
nate infection. The entire body
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is affected by the process of in-
will greatly reduce common and
ÀDPPDWLRQ ,I WKH FDXVH RI WKH LQÀDPPDWLRQ *XP GLVHDVH FDQ trolled, the body can never shut very harmful health problems.
A healthy mouth will make
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you a healthier person
or becomes worse, harm may oc- toms. Left untreated periodontal the rest of the body.
For Healthy Smiles,
cur to heart, blood vessels, joints, disease can cause loose teeth, ex-
What can I do to stay healthy?
Dr. Norm and Melanie De-
nerves, pancreas or liver.
posed roots, long-looking teeth,
• Visit your dentist as fre-
Jong
Periodontal (gum and bone) bad breath, sensitivity, bleeding, quently as he/she recommends.
Members of the American
disease typically starts from bac- swelling and pain. If bacteria and
• Follow your dentist’s recom-
Academy of Oral and Systemic
terial plaque deposits on teeth LQÀDPPDWLRQ LQ WKH PRXWK IURP mendations.
or gums growing and triggering chronic gum disease are not con-
• Drink at least eight cups of Health
Infection and
Inflammation
2015 Medical + Family Health Guide • MyEagleNews.com • Page 27