San Francisco and Marin CA
Maintaining good oral health has so many benefits. It keeps your pearly whites looking beautiful. It reduces your risk of dental disease. It helps protect your overall health by reducing your body’s inflammatory markers. Doctors measure inflammatory markers through blood samples, and the findings could indicate infection, or the presence of certain diseases and cancers. Additionally, inflammatory markers can make it difficult to lose weight or cause weight gain. Read on as, today on the blog, our family dentists in Marin at Glen Park Dental explain what your teeth have to do with your weight so that you can be sure you aren’t sabotaging your weight loss journey.
Infections in the mouth can compromise your weight goals
Poor oral health from the lack of daily oral hygiene, never flossing and skipping dental cleanings increases the risk of cavities and gum disease, which are active infections in the mouth. If left untreated, bacteria that cause these conditions enter the bloodstream, which increases your inflammatory markers. As a result, you put your body at a higher risk for certain diseases like heart disease and insulin resistance, which make weight gain easier and you may have trouble shedding pounds. Inflammation also naturally slows leptin production, a natural protein that the body produces to help you feel full. So, less leptin means you feel hungry more often, which may lead to weight gain.
Inflammation in the body and weight gain can produce a dangerous cycle. The more inflammation, the harder it can be to lose weight. Conversely, losing weight can help lower inflammation, but not if you aren’t treating the problem at its source. In this instance, that means your mouth.
Follow this guide to keep your oral health in check:
- Improve your nutrition: Choose whole foods as much as possible and eat less packaged food and fast food. Prepare vegetables in advance and trim and marinate meat for several days’ worth of meals to make staying on track easier. Pack raw fruits and vegetables with yogurt, and cheese or nuts for snacks, and limit sodas and sugary beverages. Ideally, consume about 64 ounces of water each day. These suggestions are good for your teeth and your waistline.
- Brush twice a day: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time to remove harmful bacteria and residue that could cause cavities and gum disease. Ideally, brush after lunch too. But if you’re unable to do that at work, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum between meals until you’re able to brush again.
- Remember to floss: Flossing is the equivalent of brushing between your teeth. It’s the only way to clean these areas where bacteria are likely to cause the most damage. If flossing is difficult, opt for a water flosser instead.
- See the dentist: Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and examination. We identify changes to your oral health and can address the problem as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening. Additionally, routine cleanings remove tartar buildup that could otherwise cause cavities or gum disease if not removed.
Family Dentists in Marin and the Bay Area in California
Exceptional oral health not only helps your teeth and gums, but your entire body. Plus, it may help you lose weight by keeping your inflammatory markers low and addressing any active infections in your body. To learn more about protecting your oral health, contact Glen Park Dental by calling (415) 585-1500 or visit us online to schedule a consultation.
