Does Oral Hygiene Affect My Metabolism?

The main purposes of your metabolism are to transform food into energy, convert energy into building blocks for the body, and eliminate metabolic wastes. You often hear about ways to boost your metabolism, but did you know it can be affected by more than just your diet or exercise routine? Poor oral health influences it, as well. Read on to learn more from your dentist in West Hartford.

How Are My Oral Health and Metabolism Connected?

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It can also make weight loss more difficult and often causes weight gain. Unfortunately, nearly one-third of U.S. adults suffer from it.

Now that an increasing number of Americans are developing metabolic syndrome, it is becoming apparent certain oral health issues, like oral bacteria and inflammation, are linked to it. It is known that people who have periodontal disease, aka gum disease, are more likely to suffer from diabetes and other health issues. In fact, about 22 percent of people who have diabetes are also suffering from periodontal disease.

When you are dealing with diabetes, it becomes more difficult for your body to fight off infections, causing gum disease to worsen. If you have late-stage gum disease, also known as periodontitis, blood sugar levels tend to rise, making it harder to keep diabetes under control. Ultimately, both conditions make the other one worse.

How Can I Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Fortunately, gum disease is easily preventable. Here are some tips to help:

• Floss Every Day: You should be flossing each day to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline. Gently slide up and down and back and forth to prevent inflammation and bleeding.
• Brush Teeth and Gums: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, thoroughly brush your teeth, gumline, and gums daily.
• Clean Your Tongue: Your tongue can collect bacteria as well. Use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean your tongue whenever you brush your teeth.
• Cut Back on Sugar: Bacteria thrive on glucose which is the sugar linked to diabetes. When diabetes is poorly controlled, high glucose levels in the mouth may help germs grow and set the stage for gum disease. Limit your intake of sweet drinks and foods.
• Visit Your Dentist: Regular dental cleanings and exams are crucial to achieving optimal oral health in West Hartford. Your dentist is trained to detect early signs of gum disease so it can be treated before becoming serious.

So, the truth is having poor oral health can affect your metabolism. By taking steps each day to keep your smile healthy, you are benefitting your whole body!

About the Practice

At West Hartford Dental Group, we take a caring approach to performing high-quality dentistry. Our team includes a board-certified prosthodontist and a certified periodontist. We offer flexible payment options and a new patient special. We can help you prevent periodontal disease via dental checkups and cleanings, which you can schedule on our website or by calling (860) 236-4249.