How Your Oral Health Affects Your Total-Body Wellness

Most of us don’t think about how teeth affect the rest of the body, but the truth is, you should. Studies show how poor oral health can increase your risks for more serious conditions. That’s because unhealthy bacteria and toxins from the mouth and teeth can travel to other parts of your body, causing low-grade infections and chronic inflammation.  

One of the most common dental conditions is periodontal disease. It’s estimated that this condition impacts about 50% of people in the US over the age of 30, with chronic inflammation in the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. Bacterial infections spread under the gums, which separate from teeth and create spaces where bacteria can multiply. Eventually, the connective tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place start to break down.  

Research shows that periodontal disease can fuel inflammation throughout your body. A recent study showed that patients with periodontal (gum) disease have higher levels of C-reactive protein, a well-known marker for inflammation. The study further linked gum disease to kidney disease.   

Another large study found that people with more plaque died of cancer significantly earlier than those with less plaque. This is not an isolated study. The links between gum disease, chronic inflammation, cancer and heart disease are becoming more widely acknowledged in the scientific literature.¹   

Poor dental health has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, digestive imbalances and gut dysbiosis, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, and more.² 

Cleaning your teeth is essential for a healthy smile, but also, your overall health.  

Diet is a critical part of oral health. Choose whole foods and avoid processed ingredients—especially sugars. Greens and leafy vegetables are particularly rich in gum-healthy nutrients like folic acid which helps fight plaque. Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, flax and chia seeds are also shown to help protect gum health. These foods are rich in nutrients and antioxidant compounds that help fight inflammation and bolster immunity throughout the body, while nourishing teeth and total body health with essential nutrients to strengthen and protect.  

A balanced oral microbiome is also very important for healthy teeth and gums. Research shows that a high sugar diet can tip the scales toward unhealthy microbes in your mouth, and the rest of your GI tract. Emphasizing nutrient-dense whole foods on the other hand, is shown to support healthy oral bacteria that can fight cavities and periodontitis.³ 

Of course, brushing your teeth after meals, using a mouth wash, and going to the dentist can help you stay on top of your oral health.  

Certain natural ingredients are key for supporting healthy teeth and gums.

Padma Basic is an extensively researched antioxidant herbal formula backed by over 30 clinical studies and 50+ years of scientific research. Research shows that Padma Basic provides important benefits for oral and dental health by supporting balanced inflammation and immune activity in the teeth and gums, making it one of the most important natural strategies for dental—and total-body—health.^4*  

Certain probiotic strains are also important for oral health, in addition to providing benefits for a healthy gut and other key areas. Lactobacillius salivarius is one probiotic strain that shows benefits for oral microbiome balance and healthy teeth and gums. 

With 8 live clinically studied probiotic strains, including Lactobacillius salivarius, along with prebiotic nutrients and 19 organic immune and digestive-supporting herbs, ecoProbiotic is another important supplement for a healthy mouth and teeth. ecoProbiotic is a certified organic fermented liquid probiotic formula that provides fast-acting, unparalleled support for optimal GI health, including mouth and teeth.⁵*  

As we learn more about the links between oral health and total-body health and aging, supporting dental health and hygiene using natural lifestyle solutions including diet and supplements—becomes one of the most important ways to actively promote overall wellness and reduce our long-term health risks.  

Sources:

1. Söder B, Yakob M, Meurman JH, Andersson LC, Söder PÖ. The association of dental plaque with cancer mortality in Sweden. A longitudinal study. BMJ Open. 2012;2(3):e001083.
2. Cecoro G, Annunziata M, Iuorio MT, et al. Periodontitis, Low-Grade Inflammation and Systemic Health: A Scoping Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2020;56(6):272.  
3. Esberg A, Haworth S, Hasslöf P, et al. Oral Microbiota Profile Associates with Sugar Intake and Taste Preference Genes. Nutrients. 2020 Mar 3;12(3):681. 
4. Padma 28 in the…an observational case study in 49 patients. Forsch Komplementmed. 2006 Feb;13 Suppl 1:28-30. German. doi: 10.1159/000090734. Epub 2006 Feb 17. PMID: 16582561.
5. Wasfi R, Abd El-Rahman OA, Zafer MM, et al. Probiotic Lactobacillus sp. inhibit growth, biofilm formation and gene expression of caries-inducing Streptococcus mutans. J Cell Mol Med. 2018 Mar;22(3):1972-1983.