Living Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 6

C D, MMs , DM Steuer d i v a D Dr. Throughout history, experts relied on windows into our health: the eyes to check on the soul, the mouth to gauge strength and longevity. Animals were bought and sold based on this window philosophy. Today, as in ancient times, the windows are more relevant than ever. There is mounting research to show that the overall health of your mouth does in fact mirror or represent the condition and health of your body. This research shows that maintaining a healthy oral cavity may be linked to overall long-term health and quality of life. THE HEART AND MOUTH CONNECTION HABITS OF GOOD ORAL HEALTH According to the American Dental Association and the American Medical Association, there is a relationship between the condition of the gums and the condition of the cardiovascular system. Gum health is primarily a result of oral care, personal habits, and, to an extent, genetics. With appropriate effort and proper hygiene, threats to the health of our gums can be eliminated or controlled. However, failure to maintain gum health has other health consequences. Sub-optimal conditions of the heart can be traced to unhealthy gums, underscoring how important oral health care is. Knowing that the oral cavity both reflects our bodies’ condition and impacts our physical health, it is imperative that we make a daily habit of a few simple, proactive maintenance measures. 6 / SPRING 2016 LIVING MAGAZINE So what do we do? First, let’s assume that we have all made the decision to reduce or nearly eliminate processed sugar. When you eat food or drink beverages containing sugar or starch, your mouth becomes acidic for 20 minutes or more, creating a threat to gums and teeth. Second, we have made the decision to eat healthy balanced meals, incorporating healthy fats, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, rough foliage, and low sugar fruits and vegetables, thus reducing food sources that compromise our oral health, creating a more healthy environment for the mouth.