In April – National Oral Cancer Awareness Month, dentists around the country are making it a priority to stress the importance of preventive dental care to reverse the growing number of people succumbing to oral cancer. Your dentist in Brookfield joins his peers in the quest to fight this disease, but he’d like to go further. As you continue reading, he’ll explain how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums plays a key role in preventing the development of another form of cancer as well.
How Does Oral Health Impact Overall Wellness?
It makes sense for the care of your mouth, teeth and gums to play a significant role in preventing oral cancer, considering the fact that the symptoms of the illness converge in either the mouth or throat. Recently, researchers have coined the term oral-systematic connection, though. It speaks to the relationship between the health of your mouth and the rest of your body.
This new term is based on the discovery that wellness or illness literally trickles down from your mouth. Thus, the latter serves as a window for the health of your entire body.
Evidence of a Connection
An example of this connection is revealed in a recent study where bacteria in the mouths of people suffering from periodontitis (gum disease) have been found to play a role in the development of pancreatic cancer. This is because of the inflammation caused when the gums become infected, the result being that the oral bacteria spread to other parts of the body.
Can This be Prevented?
Thankfully, there are ways to prevent the spread of harmful oral bacteria. Here are some simple yet effective ways:
- Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day removes the food particles that attract new bacteria, as well as any acidic plaque.
- Preventive Dentist Visits – Taking the time to visit your dentist semi-annually plays an equal role in preventing the cancer-causing effects of bacteria growth. He and his dental hygienist will thoroughly clean and examine your teeth. If any developing issues are discovered that could have greater impacts on your health, he will be able to form a plan with you to address them quickly.
By taking a proactive approach to your oral health, you are also protecting your overall wellness and improving your quality of life. Thus, you are encouraged to reach out to your Brookfield dentist to schedule a preventive care appointment today!
About the Author
A native son of the Elmbrook Community, Dr. Eric Taibl earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. For nearly a decade, he has gone on to provide his patients with compassionate and comprehensive care, with an emphasis on open communication. To stay abreast of the latest developments in the dental world, Dr. Taibl remains affiliated with several professional organizations and helps patients improve their lives at Elmbrook Family Dental. He can be reached for more information through his website.