Taking Care of Your Teeth is Actually Taking Care of Your Body

Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. This routine is drilled into most of us during early childhood. Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for your oral health. You may find your motivation for dental hygiene habits simply from that importance. Or perhaps keeping a healthy smile motivates you to brush and floss. Research has discovered that more than a glowing smile and healthy gums are at stake in your dental hygiene habits.

More and more research shows a person’s overall health can be dramatically affected by their oral health. Serious health conditions can be exacerbated or triggered by poor oral hygiene. Most of these health complications stem from the same issue: the bacteria in your mouth find a way into your body’s bloodstream. Your mouth can be a gateway to bacteria arriving at all sorts of destinations around your body. Your inflamed gums can lead to inflammation throughout your body.

Here are 7 of the Biggest Health Problems Caused by Poor Dental Health

1) Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease is perhaps the worst effect poor dental hygiene can have on your body. Research has found a link between less frequent brushing and flossing with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. You are 25% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease if you have poor oral health.

The bacteria in your mouth can enter the bloodstream anytime your gums bleed. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can make their way to the heart. Simply regularly brushing and flossing your teeth can lower your chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

2) Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia

Similarly, bad oral hygiene may lead to infections, such as pneumonia. Bacteria, having gained entrance to the body through the gums, travel to the lungs. People with poor dental hygiene have a greater chance of developing pneumonia or other respiratory infections.

3) Diabetes

Many studies have shown the connection between dental disease and diabetes. If you have dental disease and inflammation, you are more likely to develop diabetes. Similarly, if you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop dental disease. Taking care of your teeth and gums can prevent diabetes.

Other research shows that those who brush and floss regularly are better able to control their diabetes. Brushing and flossing can help maintain and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Although research has tied oral health to better diabetes control, a majority of people are unaware of this crucial information. Both the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Diabetes are trying to increase awareness and educate the public about this important link.

4) Dementia

Many have linked dementia to poor oral health. Taking care of teeth becomes more and more difficult as memory loss progresses. Some health professionals and studies also see poor oral health as a potential path to dementia.

Medical professionals are exploring a connection between the health of the nerves in your teeth and the memory and learning parts of the brain. Studies have also found a connection between the ability to enjoy eating, to eat without pain and the memory and learning parts of the brain. Taking of your teeth can help your brain continue to learn and remember well.

5) Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, an underreported, but pretty common health concern, may also be because of diseased gums. Now, how exactly can you get erectile dysfunction from bad oral hygiene? The answer is simple. An infection or inflammation in your mouth can lead to infection and inflammation elsewhere. Simply put, the bacteria from infected gums can find its way into the bloodstream and clog the stream which will result in slow circulation of the blood. Decreased circulation can be a factor in ED. This can all be prevented if you take care of your mouth and teeth every day.

6) Kidney disease

Poor oral health can lead to kidney infection. It all starts with the bacteria that can be found in infected gums. Bleeding gums or bacteria traveling though saliva can find a way to the kidneys. As more research comes out, studies continue to show kidney disease and oral health are linked. Brushing and flossing help control the bacteria in your mouth and in your kidneys.

7) Cancer

The connection between oral health and cancer is still being studied. It has become clear that cancer and oral health are connected, though. An unhealthy mouth, full of bacteria and disease, leads to an imbalance of bacteria in other areas of the body. Oral, gastrointestinal, lung, breast, prostate, and uterine cancers have all been linked to poor oral health.

Conclusion

More and more doctors and dentists are recognizing the link between oral health and overall health. Bacteria can find an easy door to the rest of the body through your mouth. Serious health conditions may be prevented by taking care of your mouth. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis will not only help you keep your teeth healthy, but also help keep the rest of your body in good condition.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9897600/

https://alternativemedicine.com/conditions/heart-disease/examining-the-link-between-oral-health-heart-disease-and-total-body-wellness/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8918644/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470716/

https://alternativemedicine.com/conditions/oral-health/5-reasons-why-senior-oral-health-is-important/

https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB148/B148_R1-en.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5672720/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6888624/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7031023/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9678577/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8457130/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is holistic medicine?

A holistic doctor is one who treats patients holistically. They may combine western medicine with traditional methods like acupuncture and herbs.

They aim to treat an illness rather than just treat symptoms. The patient should feel better following treatment.

The doctor should not be limited to treating the disease. He or she must also work with patients to prevent future complications.

“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.

What are the benefits of holistic medicine over conventional medicine?

Many religions, cultures, and nations have used holistic remedies for thousands upon thousands of years. They were developed based on ancient knowledge and experience.

These medicines are safe and effective. They also come at a reasonable price. Side effects of these medicines are very low compared to pharmaceutical drugs.

They can also improve your health and wellbeing.

They can prevent disease and promote your overall well-being.

They can even treat diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, arthritis, asthma or depression, as well as high blood pressure.

There are many traditional medicines available, with each having its own benefits.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world’s population still relies on traditional treatment methods for their injuries and illnesses.

It has been reported that around half a trillion people rely on traditional herbs for their primary health care.

Global market for complementary therapies will reach $22.2 billion in 2020, according to estimates.

Alternative medical treatments are becoming more popular to avoid the side effects of conventional treatment.

If they don’t respond to any other treatment options, many people look to complementary therapies. These therapies may be tried before they resort to medication or surgery.

There are several reasons why people choose complementary therapies:

To improve quality of life
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To relieve pain
To enhance immunity
Help with managing serious illnesses
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To deal with chronic diseases

Why is holistic medicine better?

Holistic health care treats the whole person instead of just specific symptoms. Holistic healthcare focuses on the whole person, not just individual symptoms. This includes how they feel, what they eat and where they live.

Holistic medicine is holistic and considers all aspects a patient’s lives. It treats them all as one complete package. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.

Is holistic medicine legitimate?

The answer is both yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. No, because they don’t cure everything. It all depends on what you mean when you say “holistic.” If it means taking into account all aspects of an individual’s health, then yes, but if it just means using natural remedies over chemical ones then no.

Many people believe holistic medicine has existed since ancient times. This is false. Even though some healers from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and other countries used natural remedies, this was without any scientific knowledge.

Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.

Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.

Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Others, however, find regular exercise to be a great way to keep their bodies functioning at peak performance.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?

Although evidence for complementary and other medicine is still being developed, there are many benefits to these treatments. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. As part of a holistic approach, they might look for complementary and alternate medicines. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It may save you money and time over the long term.

What is the Difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicines?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on drugs and surgery. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.

Naturopathy, on other hand, is used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. It addresses the whole body and mind as well as the soul. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.

It is important to note that some CAM modalities overlap with conventional medicine. Both doctors and naturopaths may prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths emphasize lifestyle changes more than prescription drugs.

Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths can prescribe medication when necessary.

There are many differences between naturopathic medicine, CAM, and other modalities.

Naturopaths do not usually prescribe medication or diagnose illnesses.
Naturopaths are able to work closely with patients’ family physicians and refer them to specialists when necessary.
Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
Naturopathy stresses prevention and wellness, while offering education on diet and exercise.
Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
Naturopharmacists specialize in the use of botanicals and minerals to treat specific conditions.
Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issues licenses for Naturopaths.
Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
Naturopaticians can be registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia licenses Naturotherapists.
The United States National Board of Medical Examiners has licensed Naturobiotic Therapists.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency grants licenses to homeopaths.
The term “holistic” refers to the belief that all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social – should be considered when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will take into account all aspects of life, rather than focusing on one.

What is the distinction between alternative medicine (AM) and complementary medicine (CM)?

Alternative medicine refers only to treatment methods that are not recommended by mainstream doctors but have been proven to provide beneficial results for certain conditions. Homeopathy, acupuncture and aromatherapy are all examples. Complementary Medicines are treatments that add to the treatment of conventional medicine. They may also be used in combination with it. These include vitamins, minerals and herbs, as well as amino acids, enzymes and probiotics.

Both forms of medicine can be used but are not recommended by many doctors due to lack of evidence or safety concerns.

The best way to integrate CAM into patient care is not a consensus among health care professionals.

Many CAM methods are based on theories that have been developed over thousands of year. But clinical trials in the past 20 years have suggested that these therapies might work.

A variety of studies have suggested that acupuncture might relieve pain. It may also reduce nausea and vomiting that are associated with chemotherapy, according to preliminary data. Some studies have shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (FBS), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple Sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches as well as anxiety and depression.

Some CAM therapies may also be effective in the treatment of diseases like HIV/AIDS/Asthma, diabetes, heart disease (hypertension), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as rheumatoid.

Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.

People are increasingly turning to CAM practitioners to find relief from common ailments.

Despite growing popularity, many remain confused about the definition of “alternative” or complementary medicine.

Statistics

These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)

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How To

What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?

The four main categories of CAM are mind-body medicine, natural products, manipulative therapies, and energy healing. Mind-body medicine can include yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. Natural products are herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements. Manipulative therapy includes physical manipulation, such as chiropractic and osteopathic care, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise. Prayer and visualization are some of the techniques used for energy healing.

CAM can be used to describe a range of alternative health practices, which are not part of the traditional Western medical model. These practices vary widely regarding how much scientific evidence supports them, whether they involve drugs or surgery, and which conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners also perform diagnostic testing (e.g., blood tests) and prescribe medication. Others may do neither.

There are several subcategories to each category that go beyond the four primary categories. Mind-body medicine is comprised of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, guided imagery and self-hypnosis. There are also deep breathing exercises, meditations, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback and visualization. Natural products are nutritional supplements, botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies, essential oils, probiotics, nutraceuticals, herbal preparations, medicinal plants, and teas. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. There are also spiritual healing methods such as prayer, faith healing, and energy healing.

Many CAM treatments can be used to treat symptoms and not the cause. However, CAM may provide relief for some chronic diseases. If used appropriately, CAM can complement conventional treatment options.

There are many reasons why people use CAM:

To improve their overall wellness.
To manage a certain condition.
To lessen pain and discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. Some may feel it has less side effects. Some choose CAM because they don’t have to take prescription medication. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. Many people also seek out CAM because of bad experiences with traditional medicine.

People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users are concerned about the safety and effectiveness. Others rely more on word of mouth recommendations from their family members and friends.

Although CAM can be viewed negatively by society in general, most users feel positive about it. People who use CAM are generally happier and healthier than people who don’t. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

A majority of Americans have used some type of alternative or complementary medicine. 95% of adults have used CAM at some point in their lives. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health was able to estimate that around 40 million people visited CAM practitioners in 2010 alone.

The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.

The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. The American Medical Association recognized the need for physicians to “integrate scientifically supported complementary and alternate medicine into clinical practice…to satisfy patients’ needs and expectations.”5

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”

CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. 2008 saw a 8 percent increase in the number of CAM professionals compared to 2007.

A recent study found that almost half of the respondents reported using CAM as part of their primary healthcare regimen.

CAM therapies encompass natural products, mind-body techniques, manipulative strategies, energy healing modalities and exercise.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily to relieve pain, but they also have many other benefits like relaxation, improved mood and better sleep.

Acupuncture is a treatment that can reduce chronic back pain, anxiety, depression and improve the immune system, promote weightloss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments are based on traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and their roots go back thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated in China 5,000 years back, has been practiced in China ever since.

TCM, although it gained prominence in the late 1800s, is still an integral part of health care.

TCM is used to treat a majority of Americans.

Yoga is another popular CAM remedy. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. It is now accepted all over the world.

Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga can reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve strength. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Although there is limited scientific research, yoga seems to have positive effects on sleep33 and may be helpful for those suffering from insomnia.

Other CAM treatments, like meditation, homeopathy and aromatherapy are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medical practice.

One of the most used types of CAM is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines may include herbs and spices, flowers, seeds or fruits, bark, leaves or roots, as well stems.

They are often considered safer options to pharmaceutical drugs, and they are widely used by customers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to American Cancer Society, 45% adults diagnosed with cancer reported that they used alternative medicine during treatment.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 60% of cancer patients use CAM. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 50% of cancer survivors have used CAM.

A recent study found that 51% of patients with cancer used at least one type or another of CAM.

However, only 8.8% of them discussed it with their physicians.

This communication gap between conventional medical providers, CAM users and traditional doctors is a major problem in healthcare delivery.

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By: jbenson@innovisionhm.com
Title: Taking Care of Your Teeth is Actually Taking Care of Your Body
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/oral-health/oral-health-and-overall-health-7-health-problems-caused-by-bad-oral-health/
Published Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:04:00 +0000