The Gut-Smile Connection – How Your Digestive System Affects Your Teeth
A good smile is something that many people in Massachusetts are proud of. A happy smile makes our everyday lives better, whether we are watching the Red Sox or eating some fresh Ipswich clams. But besides brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist regularly, a new study shows that our gut has an unexpected effect on our teeth.
The interesting link between our digestive system and mouth health is explored in this article. It looks at how a healthy gut leads to a bright smile and how a healthy smile leads to a healthy gut. For more information on how to have a healthy smile, contact an Easton dentist today.
The microbiome – a busy network that links the gut to the mouth
There are trillions of bacteria living in our bodies, some of which are good and some of which are bad. These bacteria live in groups called microbiomes. The bacteria in the stomach are very important for nutrition, getting nutrients into the body, and keeping the immune system healthy.
Interestingly, our mouths have their unique microbiome, which is a complex community of bacteria that live and thrive there. Even though these two microbiomes are in different parts of the body, they are always talking to each other through the bloodstream, which is like a freeway. This link between the gut and the mouth makes for an interesting interaction between the two, as the health of one has a big effect on the other.
What your gut health means for your smile
Dysbiosis, which is a mismatch in the gut bacteria, can be very bad for your mouth health. When bad bacteria grow in the gut, they can send inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream, where they end up in the mouth.
This increase in inflammation can lead to gum disease, which makes lips swell, turn red, and hurt. It can even cause bone loss around the teeth in the worst cases.
Gut troubles, such as acid reflux, can also affect your smile in a roundabout way. When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it can get into the mouth and wear away tooth enamel, which makes cavities more likely. A microbiome test can be a helpful tool in identifying imbalances in your gut bacteria, providing insights into how these imbalances might be affecting your oral health
Nutrient deficits can also cause some problems. Too few of certain minerals and vitamins, especially calcium and vitamin D, can weaken teeth and make them more likely to get cavities.
A good smile starts in the gut
The good news is that taking care of your gut health will also help your teeth a lot. Here are some important steps.
Eat a balanced diet
Eating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains will give the good bacteria in your gut the nutrients they need. On the other hand, processed and fatty foods help dangerous bacteria grow, which upsets the balance in your gut and affects your mouth health.
Probiotics save the day
Probiotics are live bacteria that have many health benefits, such as improving the health of your gut. You might want to eat more foods that are high in probiotics, like yogurt, kimchi, and cabbage. You can also talk to your doctor about taking probiotic pills.
Control your stress
Long-term stress can change the bacteria in your gut. Deep breathing, yoga, and other meditative practices can help you deal with stress and keep your gut healthy.
Taking care of your smile
A healthy gut is important for a beautiful smile, but it can not take the place of good oral care. For the best oral health, you should still use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and make sure you get regular dental checkups.
An all-around approach to dental health
When we know the link between gut health and smiling, we can take a more holistic approach to our oral health. We can build a basis for a healthy smile by taking care of our gut bacteria through food, living choices, and maybe even probiotics. Do not forget that a healthy gut is a happy gut, and a happy gut leads to a healthy, bright smile!