Open wide - Is there a link between mouth health and overall well-being?

Published: Friday, October 9, 2009 12:00 AM CDT

(ARA) - Did you know there are more bacteria in one person's mouth than there are people on earth? For people with severe gum disease, new science suggests that these bacteria may be linked to other serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease or pneumonia.

In fact, a recent study presented at the 87th International Association for Dental Research General Session and Exhibition found that heart attack victims had higher numbers of bacteria in their mouths.

One theory regarding the connection between the health of your mouth and your body says that plaque and gingivitis germs can travel from your mouth to your bloodstream and ultimately contribute to these broader health problems. However, further research is needed to better understand the connection between oral and systemic health - as a cause-and-effect relationship has yet to be established.

With more than 75 percent of Americans older than 35 afflicted with some form of gum disease there is no better time than now to take action and improve your oral health. New research suggests that adding an antimicrobial mouthrinse to your oral care routine is a good place to start.

Findings from a two-week study conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey showed that rinsing with Listerine Antiseptic twice a day, as directed, can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria that may travel from the mouth to the bloodstream in people with mild to moderate gum disease.

New York-based dentist Dr. Gregg Lituchy advises "a healthy mouth starts with a complete oral care regimen that includes brushing, flossing and rinsing twice a day, every day with Reach and Listerine Antiseptic products."

The makers of Listerine Antiseptic bring the potential link between the health of your mouth and the health of your body to life through a first-of-its-kind educational video that presents a look inside the body to illustrate what may happen when bacteria travels from the mouth to the bloodstream in people with advanced gum disease. To view this video and learn more about the mouth-body connection visit www.listerine.com/health.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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