The mouth-body connection is usually visualized as a tooth-organ chart, or a meridian chart. The concept of your teeth being connected to your organs has its roots in eastern medicine and acupuncture.
These meridian charts aren’t used for diagnosis, but can lend insight to dental and non-dental issues alike. Often, an infection in the body will be mirrored in the corresponding tooth.
Often, during an oral examination, Dr. Garrett might identify a symptom of a disease elsewhere in your body and will examine the corresponding tooth for symptoms. Follow-up with your primary care provider is always suggested if we make any possible connections between what we are observing in your mouth and symptoms you are experiencing. We can suggest several holistically minded healthcare providers in our area if you do not already have a PCP. Just ask!
The Organ-Teeth Meridians
Each tooth in the human mouth is related by a meridian to an organ in the body. When an organ or system becomes diseased or infected, the associated tooth most likely will express some type of symptom as well.
By referring to this meridian tooth chart, you can see the connections between your teeth and your organs.
Dental Infections and Heart Disease
Your organs can be affected by your dental health, and the heart is no exception. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease and bacteria commonly associated with gum disease have even recently been shown to be a probable link to alzheimer’s! Holistic dentistry shows that the prevention of infections like periodontitis and gingivitis is a pillar of heart disease treatment. Regular visits to our office do more than just keep your mouth clean; they protect your heart and overall health!
So how exactly do diseases in the gums contribute to heart disease? It all has to do with toxins. When your teeth or gums are infected, they leak bacteria and toxins into your bloodstream. Examinations of atherosclerotic plaques take from autopsy of patients who had heart disease have been shown to contain RNA from bacteria originating in the mouth associated with dental infections!
Your heart is not the only organ at risk when it comes to gum disease. Teeth infections can also harm the uterus, kidney, the endocrine system, and the nervous system.
Promoting General Health
Your oral health is integral to your general wellness. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and learn more about how even the simple act of brushing and flossing protects your heart!