Good Health Starts In Your Mouth

Oral health plays a vital role in overall health. This is because the health of our teeth and gums are intimately related to the health of the rest of the body.

Poor dental health can cause tooth decay and infection of the gums, bones, sinuses and tonsils. Left untreated, these infections cause inflammation that can result in tooth loss. They can also increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and other potentially deadly health issues.

Prevention, then, is key. Pure North Dental helps participants achieve and sustain excellent oral health by recommending a healthy diet and supplementation, effective dental home care, regular dental cleanings and checkups and the use of biocompatible dental fillings.

Follow these five tips to ensure a healthy mouth, which will go a long way to maintaining overall good health.

1. Keep your Teeth Clean

Brush twice a day with a soft bristled brush in slow, gentle, circular motions. Floss each day to remove little pieces of food from between your teeth, and see your dentist at least twice a year for cleaning and checkups.

2. Eat a balanced, varied diet

Choose in-season foods sourced from traditional production practices. Too much fruit can increase sugar intake, but the more dark-green leafy vegetables, the better. Drink plenty of water: eight eight-ounce glasses a day, the equivalent of two litres.

3. Avoid sugar

Oral bacteria turn sugar to acid, which erodes tooth enamel and causes cavities. Acidic fruit, tea and coffee also wear down the enamel. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, sugar triggers blood sugar spikes which reduce the tooth’s innate ability to prevent and repair decay. Avoid hidden sugar in “health foods” such as low-fat yogurt and granola bars.

4. Get enough vitamins C and D

These nutrients are important for the health of your teeth and bones. If you aren’t getting enough from diet alone, supplementation can help fill the gaps.

5. Remove “silver” fillings

Dental amalgam fillings are made up of 50 per cent mercury, a potent neurotoxin. When you chew, drink hot liquids or grind your teeth, tiny amounts of mercury are released from the filling. It causes anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, stomach issues and chronic disease as it accumulates in the body. Have mercury fillings replaced safely with a biocompatible composite material.