How A Healthy Smile Supports Your Heart Protecting your oral health is an important part of staying mission ready. Oral health is linked to overall well-being, so taking care of your mouth can go a long way for your health and performance as a Warfighter. Good dental hygiene is a necessity and may lower your risk of various health problems. Why Should I Take Care of My Oral Health? Image caption could go here. Oral health refers to the state of your mouth, including your teeth and gums. Maintaining your lethality as a Warfighter relies on keeping your mouth, and body, healthy. Cavities, infection and gum disease may cause pain that makes it hard to eat or work, which can impact your operational performance. In fact, dental concerns make up around 20% of non-battlefield injuries among deployed Warfighters. In addition to causing oral problems, bacteria in your mouth can spread throughout your body and lead to more serious health conditions. Your heart health is most at risk, as certain teeth and gum issues are associated with heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Gum disease is also linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis and pancreatic cancer. How Do I Practice Good Dental Hygiene? Image caption could go here. Attend routine dental visitsGoing to the dentist every six months keeps your teeth clean and can help treat existing problems before they get worse. If you’re in a deployable unit, schedule required check-ups ahead of time around planned travel dates. Image caption could go here. Brush twice a dayBrushing your teeth and gums twice daily helps remove harmful plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Make sure you’re using a fluoride toothpaste and brushing for at least two minutes. For teeth brushing tips, click here. Image caption could go here. Floss dailyFlossing can help remove plaque and bacteria stuck between your teeth that brushing can’t reach. Make sure to floss between every tooth, all the way to the gum. You may be directly helping your heart health, as those who regularly floss have a lower risk of stroke. Image caption could go here. Eat nutritious foodsA well-balanced meal plan contains vitamins and minerals that support a healthy mouth. Limiting processed foods and added sugars is also good for your oral health, as sugary food and drinks can damage your teeth. Image caption could go here. Avoid smoking and vapingUsing tobacco products of any kind, including e-cigarettes, can harm your oral health. Smoking and vaping cause inflammation in the mouth that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. What Are the Signs of an Oral Health Problem? Some mouth conditions are common, like tooth decay and mild forms of gum disease. Yet, you may not always know if you have one. To keep your oral health in check, look out for these symptoms: Red or swollen gums Gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss Receding gums (i.e., pulling back from teeth) Tooth pain and sensitivity Mouth sores that won’t go away Frequent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth Your readiness depends on your oral health. Protect yourself and the mission by practicing daily hygiene habits, visiting the dentist regularly and choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle. Additional ResourcesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention - “Oral Health Tips for Adults”DVIDS - “Dental Health is Mission Critical”TRICARE - “TRICARE Dental Program”ReferencesAmerican Heart Association - “Oral Health”Harvard Medical School - “Gum disease and the connection to heart disease”Military Health System - “Why Dental Health is Essential for Warfighters and Military Readiness”The Nutrition Source - “Oral Health”Penn Dental Medicine - “What’s the Link Between Oral Health and Heart Disease?”
