A local food pantry recently asked if anyone would be willing to donate toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss so that those items could be included in the stockings that would be distributed the week before Christmas. We receive a lot of requests for oral health supplies throughout the year. The people who manage the distribution of food and other items to the community were delighted to receive the dental supplies a couple of weeks later.
Why the ask for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss and not food? The reality is that oral hygiene is just as vital as food for our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to oral health supplies for a variety of reasons. In addition, they may not have access to oral health care or see the importance of that aspect in their whole-body health.
Just this week in the news was a story of a 36-year-old retired NFL receiver, Mike Williams, who died from bacterial sepsis resulting from tooth decay. He likely may not even have known he had a serious, life-threatening, blood infection. He appeared to be a picture of health, active with his family, and working in the construction industry. While he had other underlying health conditions and was seriously injured just prior to his death, the final cause of death was listed as sepsis resulting from the tooth decay.
A long-term employee colleague of mine shares a story that hits close to home about the preventable effects of tooth decay. Fifteen years ago, her then 26-year-old nephew began having severe headaches during his last year of college while taking the finals for his Civil Engineering degree. After his final test, he went to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with a large abscess between his brain and skull. An infection that started in an untreated molar combined with poor oral hygiene during a stressful time, and little to no sleep for a couple of weeks. He ended up in critical condition, unable to speak after having brain surgery to remove the infection. Thankfully this story has a happier ending, he has since recovered, but will continue to have life-long problems as a result. It is also good news that he passed his Civil Engineering Degree final and is working in his profession!
How do seemingly healthy people contract a life-threatening blood infection? One root cause (pun intended) is through the root of teeth sitting below the gumline being destroyed by bacteria. By not brushing and flossing to remove the food that is left in the mouth after eating, the environment is created for decay as the body breaks down that food in the digestive process. These bacteria also break down the enamel of teeth which is intended to protect the tooth. The reason the infection can persist is that there is no immune system inside of the teeth, so the infection can move inside and then outside of the tooth to create havoc in the bone surrounding the tooth. Left unchecked the infection can cross into the bloodstream where it can travel throughout the body.
How do you counteract that? It’s a simple solution: brush and floss your teeth and use a mouthwash. It only takes minutes in the day and it’s an investment in your overall health for your lifetime. It is important to teach children the benefits of good oral health care so they can maintain overall good health. One teaching tool is to provide dental disclosing tablets that when chewed leave a red or purple tint on the plaque that remains on the teeth after brushing. When children see that they know where to apply more effort when brushing.
While it may seem counterintuitive to wait an hour before brushing after meals, the American Dental Association recommends waiting especially if you have consumed something acidic such as orange juice or grapefruit. Acid loosens the tooth enamel, and the brush may damage the enamel if you brush too soon.
Brush first or floss first? Flossing first is recommended so that any particles of food left between the teeth are removed along with any plaque building up before brushing begins. Once brushing and flossing are done, rinse with a capful of mouthwash to complete the process. You will start and end your day with a fresh feeling in your mouth!
Make brushing and flossing a part of your daily routine. Encourage your children to do the same and make it fun. Playing a song and having them brush for the entire song is one way to keep them entertained and motivated.
This holiday season was a great opportunity to reach out to the community through the food pantry and donate dental supplies to families in need. It is my hope that the generosity of Northeast Delta Dental sparks a life-long pursuit of good oral hygiene as a result.