Inflammation is a natural process within your body. Trauma or an infection inside your body stimulate your immune system responds with inflammation. While inflammation is ok once in a while, chronic inflammation is harmful.
- Inflammation causes your body to overreact to itself. As a result, the body’s cells begin to destroy its own tissues, often causing autoimmunity. This is why chronic inflammation is heavily linked to rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.
- How Is Inflammation Related To Oral Health? The mouth is a window to the rest of your body. Because everything you eat passes through your mouth, it’s very easy for bacteria to make its way to the rest of the body. In fact, chronic inflammation is often linked to both gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Gingivitis is an Acute Inflammatory Condition. It’s caused by high levels of plaque, which forms naturally on teeth and gums if you don’t brush and floss well enough. Luckily, gingivitis can be reversed by removing plaque before it builds up significantly. It’s categorized as an “acute” condition because it can be treated and removed. The best way to prevent or reverse gingivitis is by brushing and flossing twice a day, and seeing your dentist twice a year, and eating quality carbohydrates, not processed foods.
- Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) is a Chronic Inflammatory Condition. According to modern research, periodontal disease is highly correlated with other inflammatory conditions. Among the conditions listed were rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, thyroid disease, atherosclerosis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Periodontal disease, unlike gingivitis, results in the loss of bone in your jaw. As a result, your gums recede from your teeth, forming pockets between the teeth and gums. In these pockets, plaque, tartar, and other bacteria builds up, leading to infection and dental abscess.
It’s unrealistic to think that our bodies will never have any inflammation. We must remember that inflammation is a natural response from our bodies. So instead of getting rid of inflammation, it’s important that we think about choices we can make to minimize inflammation. Below are some tips about living an Anti-Inflammatory life.
- Eat fresh, unprocessed foods as part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Unprocessed foods will have lower fat and cholesterol contents, meaning they’ll help reduce inflammation.
- Cut out soda and energy drinks as a part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Soda and energy drinks both cause an inflammation response from our bodies. Substitute water and tea for your drinks, and you’ll stay better hydrated and less inflamed.
- Exercise regularly as a part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. A handful of research studies have shown a strong correlation between exercising and reduced inflammation. Exercise also strengthens your immune system, cardiovascular health, prevents insulin resistance, and will improve your life in general.
- Practice good oral hygiene as a part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Brushing and flossing will help you keep your teeth and gums long term. While many people forget about it, you also need to see your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and exams. This will prevent future dental problems and inflammation.
- Stay away from allergens as a part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Any foods that cause allergic reactions will naturally increase your body’s inflammation. Finding out the things you’re allergic to is very important. Two of the most common food allergens are gluten and dairy.
- Use supplements to get all of your nutrients as a part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Probiotic supplements will help your body avoid inflammation. Two of the most important supplements are fish oil and vitamin D, but multivitamins also usually contain important nutrients.
- Sleep 7+ hours every night as a part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Sleeping has been found recently to help with many health problems. Among them, sleep helps minimize inflammation significantly.
- Take time to relax
