{"id":186,"date":"2019-07-30T20:44:24","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T20:44:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.amherstdental.com\/blog\/?p=186"},"modified":"2019-07-30T20:44:25","modified_gmt":"2019-07-30T20:44:25","slug":"how-your-gut-and-your-mouth-are-connected-with-your-dentist-in-williamsville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.amherstdental.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/30\/how-your-gut-and-your-mouth-are-connected-with-your-dentist-in-williamsville\/","title":{"rendered":"How Your Gut and Your Mouth Are Connected with Your Dentist in Williamsville"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In recent years, we have become more aware of just how\nimportant gut health is. Connected to digestion, metabolism, immune health, as\nwell as other functions, your gut needs to remain in healthy balance to perform\nproperly and feel good. But did you know that a healthy gut starts with a\nhealthy mouth? In this post from your dentist in Williamsville, you will learn\nhow taking care of your smile can help you have a happy gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Mouth\u2019s Role in Digestion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your mouth serves a critical function for your body: it allows\nfuel to enter your system. Your teeth chew and grind your food into smaller\nbits for easier digestion. Without this initial step, your stomach and\ngastrointestinal tract would have a much harder time breaking down your food\ninto useful energy. These organs also contribute to your immune health, which\ncan both influence and be influenced by your mouth beyond what you simply eat\nor drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conditions That Affect the Mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many medical diseases and conditions can manifest symptoms\nin your mouth. For example, you can have mouth ulcers and inflamed gums from\ndigestive problems, which often occur from an immune imbalance in your gut.\nAlso, if you have diabetes and do not properly manage it, your likelihood for\ndeveloping gum disease dramatically increases. Celiac disease, an autoimmune\nresponse to gluten, can impact the color and formation of teeth, making your\nsmile more susceptible to stains, decay, and infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral Conditions That Affect the Body<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a moist, bacteria-filled entry point to your body, your\nmouth can have a significant impact on your overall health. Some studies have\nfound that patients with gum disease are two to three times more likely to have\na serious cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke than those\nwith good oral health. Recent research also indicates that the same bacteria\nresponsible for gum disease is often found in the brains of people with\nAlzheimer\u2019s disease. These bacteria likely enter the bloodstream and cause\ninflammation elsewhere in the body, including the heart, brain, and gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to your immune and digestive health, the\nharmful bacteria from your mouth can throw off the microbiome in your gut.\nHaving an imbalanced gut can also lead to or aggravate existing autoimmune\nconditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. If you want to improve your gut\nhealth, taking better care of your mouth is a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Have a Healthy Mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Protecting your mouth from harmful bacteria requires\nconsistent effort. However, maintaining a healthy smile is fairly simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n