Metabolism is the process by which your body converts the calories you consume into fuel that your body needs to function. Some well-known factors that determine your metabolism are body size and composition, gender, and age. Well, it may surprise you to learn that there’s a growing body of evidence indicating oral health can be another one. Read on as we discuss the link between oral health and metabolism.
The Link Between Oral Health and Metabolism
Contrary to popular belief, the divide between the two fields of oral and overall health isn’t as black and white as it may seem. Evidence from recent studies shows that there’s a link between oral inflammation and metabolic syndrome. Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) discovered that gum disease causes skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction, the precursor to metabolic syndrome, by altering the composition of the gut microbiome.
In short, their findings prove that periodontal disease can be a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. With that in mind, taking proper care of your teeth (i.e., brushing twice a day, flossing daily, seeing your dentist regularly) can benefit your body’s ability to digest what you eat and use it as energy.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions that occur together, increasing your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions usually include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Metabolic syndrome primarily 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.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
As you can see, studies show that periodontal (gum) disease is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. With that in mind, here are some tips to keep your smile healthy and lower your chances of developing either one:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. These practices help keep the bacteria in your mouth at a minimum, preventing buildup and inflammation.
- Clean your tongue. Don’t forget this crucial step in your oral hygiene routine! Bacteria, food particles, and other debris can easily get trapped in the grooves and crevices on your tongue.
- Watch your diet. Limit your intake of sugary, starchy, acidic, and fatty foods. Frequent consumption can increase your risk of dental problems, such as gum disease. Instead, eat a well-balanced diet full of foods that meet all your nutritional needs!
- See your dentist regularly. Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and exams. They’re essential because they allow your dentist to catch gum disease and treat it before it worsens.
Proper dental care can benefit more than just your mouth. By taking excellent care of your teeth and gums, you can keep your body happy and healthy for years to come!
About the Practice
At Painesville Dental Group, we provide state-of-the-art, exceptional, individually tailored dental care that you won’t find anywhere else. Our team cares about more than just your mouth – we care about your body too. We’ll do everything we can to help you maintain good oral and overall health. To learn more about how oral health affects metabolism, visit our website or call (440) 354-2183.