Caring for the Oral Microbiome
Sep 30, 2019 01:19PM ● By Elahe Wissinger
Gut health has become the new health buzz, and for good reason because, like Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.” An often overlooked component of the gut is the oral cavity. The mouth is the first meeting place between the alimentary canal (the entire passage along which food passes through the body), the immune system and the outside world.
The following steps are recommended to ensure that our mouth and oral microbiome are in great shape.
• Swish the mouth with a pH balanced rinse to create an alkaline state.
• Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria.
• Brush gums to stimulate the gum tissue.
• Brush and floss daily.
• Use a water flosser to flush out bacteria below the gum line.
• Swish for 30 seconds with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Dr. Elahe Wissinger provides comprehensive dental care that not only maintains clients’ dental health, but also restores and enhances smiles with the highest quality of dental services. E Dental Solutions is the dental family you want to belong to. Call 520-745-5496 to schedule an appointment. See ad, back cover.
The mouth has its own microbiome that directly impacts our gut and overall health. Our mouths contain hundreds of beneficial and unhealthy bacteria. If our mouths are not well cared for, the unhealthy bacteria can become overpopulated and enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums or unhealthy gum tissue, disrupting balance and putting us at risk for heart disease, stroke and many other health consequences.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of American adults suffer from gum disease and many people do not know they have it. Periodontal disease includes bleeding gums, gingivitis, gum recession and bone loss. These periodontal issues can be prevented and controlled with good oral hygiene.
The following steps are recommended to ensure that our mouth and oral microbiome are in great shape.
• Swish the mouth with a pH balanced rinse to create an alkaline state.
• Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria.
• Brush gums to stimulate the gum tissue.
• Brush and floss daily.
• Use a water flosser to flush out bacteria below the gum line.
• Swish for 30 seconds with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Dr. Elahe Wissinger provides comprehensive dental care that not only maintains clients’ dental health, but also restores and enhances smiles with the highest quality of dental services. E Dental Solutions is the dental family you want to belong to. Call 520-745-5496 to schedule an appointment. See ad, back cover.
