Bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of the body, says dentist Amanda Morel
Apr 15, 2024
Toronto dentist Dr. Amanda Morel understands the direct connection between good oral hygiene and overall health and wellness.
As the founder and director of Fill the Gap Dental Outreach, a charity that provides volunteer oral care to low-income patients who can’t otherwise afford dentistry, Morel regularly sees the way that poor oral hygiene can harm the body’s overall health.
“Sometimes we’re dealing with patients that have never been really taught how to brush their teeth, how to use floss or anything like that, so inevitably, the bacterial load in their mouth is going to be very high,” she said.
“There’s going to be bacteria that could potentially get into the bloodstream and cause problems in different areas, different organs of the body.”
Oral hygiene doesn’t just translate into a more attractive smile. Dental experts say that healthy mouths are a sign of overall health, with some evidence suggesting that cavities, gum disease and even bad breath can mean trouble for the rest of the body.
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/oral-health-general-wellness-1.7171164