As dentists always tell you, a healthy gut means healthy teeth. That’s because of the microbiome living through your digestive system. It also affects hormones, metabolism, and the immune system. If there’s an imbalance in your microbiome, your oral health would be at risk. Tooth decay and gingivitis are some of the common dental conditions you could be digging into.
The Connection Between Your Gut Health and Oral Health
Recently dealing with an excessive amount of cavities despite your long-term effort of maintaining good oral hygiene? Surprisingly, your gut might be at fault here. Here’s how your mouth and stomach correlate with each other.
Our digestive tract transports what we consume and manages how our body responds to it. Thanks to microflora and other parts of the microbiome. It is good bacteria that live in the intestines and act as your blocking object against disease, sickness, and infection. Your mouth and teeth are greatly influenced, including the rest of your body. So, the next time you suffer from too many cavities, these might tell your gut flora is out of shape.
Besides saliva, water, and food, toxic bacteria also travel between your mouth and gut. Trust us. Your stomach will dislike the idea of letting these bacteria pass through and deposit within. Also, the more often you experience stomach upset, the higher possibility of getting tooth erosion as a result of wearing enamel. Those with GERD or acid reflux are more vulnerable. Hence, it is crucial to strive for a robust immune system to maintain a healthy mouth, and a clean mouth to keep the gut in check.
Warning Signs of Poor Oral Health Caused by Unhealthy Stomach
Several cavities are just among the telltale signs of a leaky gut. Overgrowth of harmful bacteria may also lead to bad breath, tooth loss, dental decay, corroding teeth enamel, and gum disease.
Expectant mothers with oral infections like periodontitis, for instance, are reported to have a higher risk of delivering a preterm baby. Some infants have low birth weight. Leaky gums are to blame here. They allow pathogenic bacteria to go into the circulatory system and move across the placenta. It will then produce an inflammatory response. This course affects the baby’s development and growth.
Did you also know that failure to brush your teeth can make you feel bloated? So, you might as well want to spend two minutes in the bathroom cleaning your pearly whites than going through the brawl and cost of dealing with indigestion symptoms, right?
And you’ve probably been told that carbs heavily damage the teeth. But as it turns out, simple carbs target the oral microbiome by reducing its diversity, which eventually weakens teeth and causes some dental issues.
It All Starts with What You Eat
Nutritious food is your prime defensive tool. Remember that you’re going to feed trillions of microbial lives, so it is vital to choose what you eat wisely.
The following are some pillars to help you plan out your next meals.
- Consume rich fiber foods, including apples, broccoli, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains. These will help cleanse your teeth and keep them naturally white.
- Eat probiotic or fermented foods. Examples are tempeh, kombucha, and miso. Yogurt is especially beneficial to the gut. However, you have to practice moderation since some of these foods have high acid amounts.
- Include antioxidants (kiwi, green tea, avocado) and fresh leafy greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
Red and processed meats, dairy, and sugary foods may be tempting to add to your table. Though as you’re aware, they are not entirely healthy for your stomach and oral health. Sure, you can have some. But limit your intake.
And of course, you should combine healthy foods with proper exercises to minimize inflammatory responses. Ensure adequate sleep to prevent digestive problems. Also, implement de-stressing techniques to preserve the diversity of gut bacteria.
Stick With Your Schedule of Brushing and Flossing Teeth
Sometimes, poor dental health is the cause of severe infections and conditions. They are not only limited to leaky gut. Diabetes and heart illness are also associated with people suffering from mouth disease. Daily brushing and flossing is your inexpensive and effective solution for healthy teeth and gums. They remove leftovers while reducing or preventing the accumulation of plaque around the tongue and teeth.
- Spare little two minutes brushing your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush, manual or electric
- Fluoride toothpaste is generally recommended by dentists due to its efficiency in protecting teeth from cavities, strengthening bare roots and frail spots, and preventing primary stages of dental decay while being safe for kids and adults
- Part of good hygiene is replacing the toothbrush every 3-4 months or as soon as the bristles become worn or splayed
- Brush right after consuming drinks or foods high in sugars and carbohydrates to decrease oral bacterial growth and protect tooth enamel
- Floss every day to remove every inch of plaque hiding in between teeth, whether in the morning or at night. The latter is preferable to prevent debris and particles from lingering in the tooth’s crevices all night
Have At Least Professional Teeth Checkups & Cleanings Twice Each Year
Having off-white teeth does not necessarily mean they are not healthy. Having white teeth does not always signify a healthy mouth. Only a professional can detect what’s hiding behind those pearly whites. Therefore, always take time to visit a dental clinic at least every six months or as necessary, depending on the severity of your oral condition.
Your visit is composed of two parts: checkup and cleaning. A dental checkup involves checking your overall oral health for any sign of damage or trouble areas. Cleaning entails the removal of tartar and plaque buildup.
So, are your teeth and gums sending you messages about your gut health?
It is never too late to get in better oral health. Dedicate to eating wholesome, microbiome-friendly foods, flossing daily, brushing twice a day, and consulting a dentist regularly. Your mouth will thank you, and so will your stomach and the rest of your body!