Proper dental care is crucial to prevent several oral health problems, including gum disease. Brushing and flossing are two essential practices that help fight off such issues, but they can also benefit another aspect of your body – your metabolism. Yes, it’s true! Other factors aside from age can affect this internal process. Read along as we discuss how poor oral health can negatively impact your metabolism and what you can do to maintain a healthy smile.
What is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. These chemical processes turn the calories you consume into fuel that your body needs to function. Some common factors that determine your metabolism are body size and composition, gender, and age. However, a growing body of evidence is showing that oral health can be another one.
How Does Oral Health Affect Metabolism?
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) discovered a link between oral inflammation and metabolic syndrome. They found that gum disease causes skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction, the precursor to metabolic syndrome, by altering the composition of the gut microbiome. Essentially, their findings prove that gum disease can be a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that increase your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. According to a national health survey, more than 1 in 5 Americans have this condition. It usually affects those with increased fat in the abdomen/waist, a family history of diabetes mellitus, clinical features of insulin resistance, or even of certain ethnic background. As you get older, your risk of metabolic syndrome increases.
Keep an eye out for these symptoms as they’re often associated with this condition:
- Increased blood pressure
- Visibly large waist circumference
- High blood sugar
- Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels
Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
Follow these tips to prevent gum disease and lower your chances of developing metabolic syndrome:
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily helps keep the bacteria in your mouth at a minimum, preventing buildup and inflammation.
- Regularly clean your tongue. Bacteria, food particles, and other debris can easily get trapped in the grooves and crevices on your tongue. Every time you brush your teeth, don’t forget to clean your tongue as well!
- Watch your intake of sugary, acidic, fatty, or processed foods. Frequent consumption of these foods can lead to enamel erosion, cavities, and gum disease. Limit your intake and eat a well-balanced diet instead.
- Visit your dentist. Ideally, you should be seeing your dentist bi-annually for routine cleanings and exams. These visits are crucial as they allow your dentist to detect early signs of gum disease and treat it before it spreads.
Ultimately, maintaining good oral health is one of the best things you can do for your overall well-being. By following the tips outlined above, you can keep your smile and body happy and healthy!
About the Practice
At Amaze Dental, we strive to provide quality care that is bound to exceed even the highest patient expectations. Our team uses the latest technologies, materials, and techniques to help you achieve your absolute best smile. Plus, we care about more than just your oral health – we care about your bodily health too. For more information on how oral health affects metabolism, visit our website or call (972) 230-1100.