Improved Oral Health could be your biggest systemic health opportunity

Oral health determines overall health, the mouth is a gateway to the body.

I rarely get to talk to my individual clients about oral health. Occasionally I get to mention it & we put it into a parking lot for when we have worked on the priorities. We never revisit that parking lot.

Yet I believe that for many people, oral health may represent one of the biggest opportunities to improve their general health and long term health.

Why?

Three reasons.

1. Strong Causal Links between oral health and systemic, whole body health.

Oral health impacts significantly upon:

🦠 Immune function

💓 Cardiovascular health, including risk of atherosclerosis

🧠 Brain health, including risk of Alzheimer's

💪 Metabolic health, including risk of diabetes

A big reason is that our mouths have a thriving microbiome, just like our guts. When that oral microbiome is on a poor state, like during gum disease, chronic inflammation or infection, the inflammatory signals travel around  the body, reaching & impacting other organs.

2. The Opportunity Gap

There is a major delta between the practices that can be applied to support optimal oral health and those which are applied, for many people.

3. Actionability

This is a highly actionable area and unlike others, such as the blockbuster drug which is "exercise", not not require great effort. The things to do are clear and simple.

Like these.

After each Meal or Snack

Flush, flushing with water is enough. The mechanical force is enough to dislodge food particles and residual liquids

Floss or Interdental stick. Not doing this is the equivalent of only ever vacuuming the bits of floor that are uncluttered. Get in between every pair of teeth.

Brush, preferably using an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor. A pressure sensor which you actually pay attention to mind you.

Hydration and Diet

Keep well hydrated, this supports saliva production which is critical to the oral immune system

Consume a colourful, antioxidant rich diet

Ideally, don't snack. Just stick to regular meals. This reduces the number of times that the bacteria which cause tooth decay get to feed on food residue in between your flushing, flossing & brushing

Reduce & limit added sugars, especially acidic, sugar-based beverages

Dental Visits

Regular dental hygienist and dental visits, meaning every 6 months unless advised differently.

If you have access & the resources, seek out a biological dentist. This type of dentist specialises in the relationship between oral health & whole body health. They will make treatment choices & guide you on hygiene practices mindful of this relationship

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Working with me enable you to make the best possible fully informed choices for your health and performance, now and in future.

Why not book a free call to understand how we would work to enable your health goals? 📲