Health Hotline Magazine | November 2023

ORAL HEALTH ON NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR By Liz Mueller Brush Up

Health Connections to Sink Your Teeth Into Why is it more important than ever to take care of the health of our teeth, gums, and mouth? Because modern research has found a direct correlation between oral health and whole-body health and markers of disease. For example, certain oral bacteria correlate with bacteria found in atherosclerotic plaque. In one recent study, researchers used rRNA sequencing to survey the bacterial diversity of atherosclerotic plaque, oral, and gut samples from 15 patients with atherosclerosis. The researchers found that the abundance of certain strains of bacteria in atherosclerotic plaques directly correlated with their abundance in the oral cavity. They also identified several strains of bacteria that were common in the atherosclerotic plaque as well as in the oral and gut samples. They summarized, “Bacteria from the oral cavity, and perhaps even gut, may correlate with disease markers of atherosclerosis.” Another study examined the association between oral health problems and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and respiratory mortality in individuals 71-92 years old. Data from two studies, The UK’s British Regional Health Study (BRHS) and the U.S.’ Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (HABC), both showed an association between poor oral health and mortality. In the BRHS study, tooth loss was associated with all-cause mortality, while in the HABC study, tooth loss, dry mouth, and having more than three oral problems was associated with all-cause mortality and high respiratory mortality. In addition, periodontal disease was associated with increased CVD mortality. Results from these studies “highlight the importance of improving oral health to lengthen survival in older age.” A 2020 study found that those with moderate to severe periodontitis are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack, demonstrating a relationship between the levels of periodontitis severity and cardiovascular conditions. “Hit the road, plaque, and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more!” Saying farewell to oral onslaughts like plaque, harmful bacteria, and gum inflammation is necessary for good oral health, but may also be the key to achieving optimal whole body health. Natural supplements, including cranberry, probiotics, and vitamin D, work together to give your mouth a continual tune-up between regular cleanings, while keeping your overall health in check, too.

38 | Health Hotline ®