Did you know that oral health is about more than just our teeth and gums? As a teacher for over 30 years, I always emphasized that learning is not just about studying for tests—there’s so much more to it. In fact, one of the best measures of comprehension is how well you can teach what you’ve learned to someone else. Similarly, oral health impacts not just your mouth but your entire body, including your brain!
Today, I want to discuss some best practices for taking care of your mouth and how doing so—or neglecting it—affects your brain health.
Your Mouth: The Dirtiest Part of Your Body
Believe it or not, our mouth is the dirtiest parts of our body! We often joke about a dog’s mouth, but we should take a closer look at our own. Our mouth is the second-largest microbiome, right next to our gut. Just like we have critters in our gut, there are countless microorganisms in our mouth—on our teeth, gums, cheeks, tonsils, and tongue. But don’t worry; this is normal!
Our saliva plays a role in oral health beyond helping digest food. It coats our teeth and gums, and when we experience stress, saliva production decreases, leading to dry mouth. A dry mouth means bacteria can stick to our teeth, increasing the risk of damage. So, managing stress levels is needed to maintaining saliva production and good oral health.
What Happens When Bad Oral Bacteria Takes Over
When harmful bacteria in our mouth aren’t kept in check, the damage goes beyond just our teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene can lead to inflammatory responses and various diseases. Some bacteria are swallowed and make their way to our gut, while others can attach to our gums, damaging the blood vessels in that area. Eventually, these bacteria can enter our bloodstream, traveling throughout our body, including our brain.
It’s best to take action before things escalate! Neglecting oral hygiene increases risk of infections and other health issues. Signs of infection can include swelling, bleeding, or pain in gums. If you’ve experienced bleeding gums or pain for an extended period, that’s a sign of chronic inflammation, which can significantly impact our health.
Why Addressing Oral Bacteria Matters
Research has identified 11 main types of harmful bacteria in the mouth that can cause periodontal disease and other oral health problems. Alarmingly, bad oral bacteria can increase chances of developing dementia. Studies show a strong correlation between periodontal disease and individuals later diagnosed with dementia. The better your oral health, the lower the amount of bad bacteria—and the better your brain health.
How to Reduce Bad Bacteria in Your Mouth
The good news is that we can reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in our mouth by adopting some effective practices regularly. Here are the steps to maintain excellent oral health:
1. Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is the first line of defense against bad bacteria. Remember those school visits from the dentist? They taught us about the importance of brushing and flossing. Yet, how many of us skip brushing before bed because we’re too tired?
Let’s break this down: if you brush your teeth in the morning but skip brushing at night, the bacteria in your mouth can multiply significantly. For example, if you have 2 million bacteria after brushing in the morning, by the next morning, you could have up to 10 million bacteria if you don’t brush again. That’s five times more bacteria in just 24 hours! This realization has motivated many of us to prioritize nighttime brushing.
2. Flossing: The Importance of Technique
Flossing is just as critical as brushing, but not all methods are created equal. Many people rely on floss picks, but these can spread bacteria rather than eliminate them. When you use a floss pick, the bacteria from one area can transfer to others, inadvertently spreading oral issues.
Instead, go back to the classic method: use a long piece of dental floss. Wrap it around your fingers and gently work it between your teeth. This technique ensures you’re using a clean section of floss for each tooth, effectively removing bacteria instead of redistributing it. It might take a little more time, but it’s worth it for your oral health!
3. Regular Dental Check-Ups
We all know the importance of regular dental check-ups, but did you know there are two types of cleanings? Most people are familiar with the standard cleaning, but therapeutic cleaning is often necessary for older adults. Research shows that about 70% of people over 65 require therapeutic cleaning to eliminate certain harmful bacteria that regular cleaning can’t touch.
Of the 11 types of bacteria causing periodontal disease, six can resist standard cleaning methods. Your dentist will assess your needs and recommend the appropriate cleaning. If you want to tackle those pesky bacteria effectively, consider more frequent cleanings—every 90 days, if necessary.
30 Days to Oral Health
This brings me to an exciting announcement! I’m launching a 30-Day Oral Health Challenge with my Partners Club. This program will be packed with valuable information and practices to improve your oral health. If you’re not already a member of my Partners Club, it’s affordable and easy to join. Check out the link below to learn more!
>> Join the Partners Club here!
Together, we’ll focus on daily practices to maintain proper oral health, benefiting not only your mouth but your brain.
Conclusion
Remember, your mouth is a gateway to your overall health, including your brain. Taking care of your oral hygiene isn’t just about having a bright smile; it’s about maintaining your health in the long run. By implementing these practices—brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups—you can reduce bad bacteria and improve your oral and brain health.
Learn More From Me
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, or if you want advice that’s just right for you, consider attending one of my free Better Brain Masterclasses. These classes give you great tips and strategies for keeping your brain sharp as you get older. For more printable resources, be sure to check out my resource library and don’t forget to connect with our supportive community on Facebook. Together, we can make the most of every brain-boosting opportunity!
If you’re ready to take your brain health to the next level, consider joining the KYBS Partners Club, a monthly membership program that provides exclusive access to resources, recipes, and personalized support from me. I’d love to have you on board!
Your brain’s destiny is in your hands.🧠
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