Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health? Our gut and oral cavity are the largest and second-largest microbiomes, in the human body. Together, the two microbiomes are linked to your overall health. Protect yourself by learning more about the connection between your oral health and how it can have a direct impact on your gut health and vice versa.

Your mouth is key to your overall health. Everything that you put into your mouth has an impact on your body's well-being. If you want to have good gut health, it’s important to first look in the mouth. If you want to have good oral health, it is important to pay attention to what you are eating and how it is getting broken down.

Saliva is a major transporter of oral bacteria. Saliva helps keep your mouth hydrated and helps you break down and digest food. Oral bacterial travels with saliva throughout your body, including your gut. It is important to eat certain foods for a healthy mouth and gut microbe. A few foods to incorporate into your daily diet are yogurt, garlic, apples, onions, berries, oats, and citrus. Eating a diet that is rich in whole foods, helps to keep your gut bacteria thriving. Systems that often signal an unbalanced oral microbe induce bad breath, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and tooth decay. Pay attention to when you experience any of these issues and think back to what you ate. For example, sugary foods like candy and sweets can often cause ulcers to appear. Stress can also play a role in an unbalanced microbiome. Stress plays an important role in salivary function, as well as muscular control, and overall tooth and gum health. Stress can contribute to gridding your teeth. Constant grinding can wear down your enamel and cause your teeth to become sensitive. Try to incorporate yoga and mediation to improve your breathing and stress levels.

Contact Belvedere Family Dentistry at 704-927-5499 to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning. If you have any questions about the impact poor oral health can have on your overall health, feel free to ask any member of our team during your next visit.

Personal hygiene is so important when it comes to your overall health. Of course, this includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, but what else can you do to support your oral health? Mouthwash is something people often overlook. Mouthwash is an effective way to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape while helping to limit visits to the dentist. Mouthwash is not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing, but it is beneficial to add to your daily routine to help reach areas not easily accessible by a toothbrush or floss. Here are just a few reasons why mouthwash should be considered a necessary component of your daily routine.

• Specific Oral Health Concerns - You might be dealing with challenges to maintain a clean mouth. If cavities are a problem, a fluoride mouthwash can be a big help. Antiseptics are the most common and usually contain alcohol to fight bacteria. Natural ingredient mouthwashes are becoming more popular, especially because many have little to no burning sensation. Other types, including specialty brands or prescriptions, might work best for you depending on your mouth
• Keep Clean Between Brushing - Let’s face it; we can’t always get to a sink with a toothbrush and toothpaste at the ready when we need to. Sometimes, we’re in a rush after lunch and don’t have time to brush after a meal. Mouthwash can be a convenient and practical way to freshen your breath in those moments. It is by no means a substitute for brushing, but it is a worthwhile compliment.
• Cleans The Entire Mouth - A toothbrush works on the surface of teeth plus areas of the gums, while flossing gets the job done in between them, but what about everything else? Using mouthwash reaches parts of the mouth that are difficult to get to with a standard brush. Whatever reason you use it for, make sure to do so correctly. Wait for at least a half-hour after brushing to allow the toothpaste to do its job. For best results, rinse with mouthwash following flossing to flush out any food particles loosened up in the process.

There are many more benefits to using mouthwash than just these listed. With proper use, it can become an essential component of a good oral health routine. If you are having trouble deciding which type and brand of mouthwash are best for you. Contact Belvedere Family Dentistry at 704-927-5499. We are here to help you make decisions to improve your oral health.