Published: 2:00 AM – 01/25/12

While an old saying advises that “the eyes are the window to the soul,” modern dental research says the mouth provides an even better view of the body as a whole.

Some of the earliest signs of diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, hormone imbalances and drug issues show up in the gums, teeth and tongue long before a patient knows anything is wrong. and there’s growing evidence that oral health problems, particularly gum disease, raise the risk of some illnesses.

Some 20 million Americans – including 6 percent of children and 9 percent of adults – saw a dentist but not a doctor in 2008, according to a study in the December 2011 issue of American Journal of Public Health.

“It’s an opportunity to tell a patient, ‘You know, I’m concerned. I think you really need to see a primary-care provider,’ so you are moving in the direction of better health,” said the study’s lead researcher, Shiela Strauss, co-director of statistics and data management for new York University’s Colleges of Nursing and Dentistry.

A thorough mouth exam may also allow a dentist to see cancer, bulimia and certain drug addictions, such as methamphetamine use. In 32 years of practice, Dr. George Kivowitz, a restorative dentist with offices in Manhattan and Newtown, Pa., said he has spotted seven cases of cancer in 32 years of practice, as well as cases of bulimia, because of the telltale erosion of enamel on the back of the upper front teeth – as well as methamphetamine addiction.

“We call it ‘meth mouth,’” he said. “The outer surface of teeth just rots in a way that’s like nothing else.”

Dr. Thomas Littner of Cornerstone Dental in Middletown explains the concept called the “oral systemic connection.” the mouth is connected to the whole body, he says. “I review my patients’ medical history, medications … examine their teeth, gums, X-rays. … An oral cancer exam and neck palpation are important.”

A thorough exam “can display manifestations of systemic diseases,” says Dr. Bruce Weiner of the Smile Place in Middletown and Cornwall. some of those include measles, Rubella, diphtheria, AIDS, mononucleosis, blood diseases, vitamin deficiencies and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and other chronic diseases. “They may show up as lesions, sores, discoloration, coatings and yeast infections.”

Such findings are fueling a push for dentists to play a greater role in a patient’s health.

Littner explains that periodontal disease “involves pathogens (strong damage-causing bacteria) that form a coating around the teeth and inside the gum line, creating inflammation, infection and bone loss.”

It’s not something easily beaten, he adds. “Once you have periodontal disease, you’re never officially rid of it, you only manage it,” he says. he even suggests that patients see the dentist every three months because “every six months is just not enough to keep the levels of inflammation down.” For those fortunate enough to have dental insurance, Littner says that more frequent cleanings and exams may be covered if there is documented proof of necessity.

And, Weiner cautions, “Nothing is as good as prevention. Meticulous oral hygiene is best, coupled with professional measures and exams. a proper and balanced diet also helps maintain oral health.”

An estimated 6 million Americans have diabetes but don’t know it. and a 2009 study from new York University found that 93 percent of people who have periodontal disease are at risk for diabetes.

Inflammation from infected gums makes it difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood-sugar level, and high blood sugar accelerates tooth decay and gum disease, creating more inflammation.

And, says Weiner, “A large percentage of people with diabetes will develop periodontal disease. This is attributed to the fact that they are more susceptible to infections. Uncontrolled diabetics are particularly at risk.”

The good news? recent studies show that treating gum disease improves circulation, reduces inflammation and may even reduce the need for insulin in people with diabetes. “The less inflammation, the easier it is to control your sugar level, and when your sugar is under control, you may need less insulin,” says Littner.

While poor oral hygiene carries a risk for just about everyone, certain people are more susceptible than others. For pregnant women, periodontal disease “can create complications, namely early-term and low birth-weight babies,” says Littner.

There’s also growing evidence of the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular problems. Inflammation in the gums raises C-reactive protein, thought to be a culprit in heart disease.

“They’ve found oral bacteria in the plaques that block arteries. It’s moved from a casual relationship to a risk factor,” says mark Wolff, chairman of the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care at NYU College of Dentistry.

That risk, says Weiner, happens because “the mouth has very high concentrations of bacteria. Insult, injury and even brushing introduce bacteria into the usually sterile bloodstream. This creates a systemic inflammatory response that has been shown to play a role in heart disease, and is also the theory behind bacterial pneumonia.”

Mouth bacteria traveling through the bloodstream can cause problems elsewhere, which is why people contemplating elective surgery are advised to have necessary dental work performed beforehand. the American Heart Association, American Medical Association and American Orthopedic Association all urge people who have had full-joint replacement to take an antibiotic before any dental visit — for the rest of their lives. It reduces the risk of post-surgical infections.

Dentists also need up-to-date information on their patients’ medications, supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Blood thinners can create excess bleeding, and osteoporosis drugs called bisphosphonates can severely weaken jaw bones. Calcium-channel blockers, drugs for high blood pressure and some anti-inflammatory drugs can cause gum ulcerations.

“Medications are a tough topic and challenge because they generally cause dry mouth,” says Littner. “If you bump your brush on the gum, cheek or lip, or your denture is real dry and rubs … it can cause a sore or ulcer. Dry mouth also increases the risk of dental decay.” he advises discussing side effects with your doctor to see if an alternative medication is available, and also suggests products to reduce dry mouth such as nonalcoholic fluoride rinses and xylitol — an ingredient in many sugarless gums — which is actually good for your teeth. Of course, there’s always water.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that dentists offer HIV testing because some of the first symptoms appear in the mouth. Weiner says, “HIV is sometimes diagnosed after finding Karposi’s sarcoma, which can turn up as a lesion in the mouth or skin. It’s confirmed by biopsy and a test for HIV if no history is indicated.”

A gleaming white smile is a sign of a healthy mouth, right? not necessarily. In fact, many dentists worry that people who whiten their teeth, and even people who have no cavities, can still be harboring tooth decay and serious gum disease. “Pearly whites are just that,” says Weiner. “It’s what’s underneath that counts.”

In fact, using whitening products more often than recommended can erode some of the enamel and cause teeth to appear translucent. “A lot of the whitening products are harsh,” says Littner. “If someone brushes with a hard toothbrush and brushes real hard and fast, it’s possible to get some enamel erosion. the abrasives in the pastes can also contribute to this problem.”

Freelance writer Carol Montana contributed to this story.

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Understanding key numbers—BMI, blood-sugar level—can lead to better health.

Blood PressureHealthy number: less than 120/80 mmHg.

Blood pressure refers to the force of blood against the walls of your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure, the top number) and during rests between beats (diastolic pressure, the bottom) and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). 

“The lower yours is, the better,” says Dr. Holly Thacker, director of the Center for Specialized Women’s Health at the Cleveland Clinic. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is 140/90 mmHg or higher. Hypertension is called “the silent killer” because it often has no symptoms and, left untreated, can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney damage, and vision and memory problems. (If your top number is between 120 and 139 and the lower is between 80 and 89, you have prehypertension, which also carries risks.)

Have yours checked: Every time you see a doctor, including an ob-gyn. To lower your numbers, consume a low-fat, low-sodium diet; exercise often; maintain a healthy weight; limit alcohol intake; don’t smoke; and manage stress. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic to flush out excess sodium. if that and lifestyle changes don’t work, other medicines, like an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, may be prescribed. 

Blood SugarHealthy number: A fasting blood-sugar level of 99 mg/dL or less.

A fasting blood-sugar test measures glucose (sugar) in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood after you haven’t eaten for at least eight hours. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes, a condition in which your body doesn’t produce enough insulin (which converts blood sugar into energy) or use insulin properly. Diabetes more than doubles your risk of heart disease and increases your chances of kidney disease, vision loss, and other health issues.

Have yours checked: At age 45, then every three years after that. (Your doctor may test you earlier if you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes.) Some doctors also do a hemoglobin A1C test, which measures glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), a substance in red blood cells that forms when glucose attaches to hemoglobin. this “gives a better picture of average blood sugar over the previous three months,” says Dr. Wendy S. Klein, an internist in Richmond, Va. An optimal A1C reading is less than 5.7 percent. To improve your blood-sugar numbers, shed any excess pounds.

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CholesterolHealthy number: Total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL; LDL cholesterol under 100 mg/dL.

“The higher your cholesterol levels, the greater your risk of heart disease,” says Dr. Nieca Goldberg, director of the Langone Women’s Heart Center at New York University, in New York City. To minimize health risks, your total cholesterol should stay under 200 mg/dL (cholesterol is measured by milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood). But it’s actually low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—the “bad,” artery-clogging kind—that causes the damage. 

“Elevated LDL levels cause the formation of plaque in the artery walls,” explains Goldberg, which leads to atherosclerosis and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. for most people, the optimal level of LDL is under 100 mg/dL (and under 70 mg/dL if you have diabetes or heart disease).

Have yours checked: Starting at age 20 and older. “You should have a fasting blood test to measure total cholesterol and LDL, plus the other lipids, triglycerides, and HDL [high-density lipoprotein],” says Goldberg. “If the numbers are normal, you don’t have to recheck them for five years.” 

If the numbers are not where they should be, the best way to improve your cholesterol levels is to lose excess weight; exercise more often; stick with a diet that is low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fats; and get your levels rechecked yearly. Even if you do all this, you may still need to take a cholesterol-lowering medication.

HDL CholesterolHealthy number: 50 mg/dL or higher.

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is the “good” cholesterol, so the higher your number, the better your health. “HDL cholesterol helps remove harmful LDL cholesterol from arteries,” says Goldberg. An HDL level lower than 50 mg/dL is a heart-disease risk factor for women, while a level of 60 mg/dL or higher helps protect you from heart disease. The best ways to raise your HDL are to quit smoking; exercise; eat monounsaturated fats (olive oil is one source) instead of saturated and trans fats; and avoid having more than one alcoholic drink a day. When HDL is low and LDL is seriously high, cholesterol-lowering drugs, like statins, as well as niacin supplements can help.Triglycerides

Healthy number: less than 150 mg/dL.Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood, and elevated levels increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Your triglyceride level (measured by milligrams of triglycerides per deciliter of blood, or mg?/dL) is borderline high if it is between 150 and 199 mg?/dL and high if it’s 200 mg?/dL or higher.Have yours checked: Annually. It’s usually part of the same test used to gauge your cholesterol. People with a high level are often low in HDL cholesterol and vice versa. Research suggests elevated triglycerides may be a greater risk factor for heart disease in women than in men, though no one knows exactly why this is. just consider it another good reason to get your level into the target zone. To do that, lose weight, quit smoking, consume no more than one alcoholic drink a day, and exercise regularly.

ThyroidHealthy number: A thyroid-stimulating hormone level under 4.0 mIU/L.

Produced by the pituitary gland, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) directs the thyroid gland in your neck to secrete the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Besides helping regulate your metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate, these hormones affect skin, hair, muscle strength, mood, and mental functioning. if your TSH level is high, above 4.5 mIU/L (or milli–international units of TSH per liter of blood), your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones to help your body function efficiently.

Have yours checked: Starting at age 35. Hypothyroidism is a condition that is fairly common among women and can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lead to heart problems and depression. if your TSH level is high, your doctor may prescribe a thyroid replacement medication. if it is normal, recheck it every five years.

Body Mass IndexHealthy number: between 18.5 and 24.9.

Your body mass index (BMI) is a measure of your weight in relation to your height (calculate yours at nhlbisupport.com/bmi). A BMI of less than 18.5 means you’re underweight and at risk for irregular periods, fertility problems, anemia, and the bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis. Many Americans, however, have the opposite problem: a BMI that is too high. if a person’s BMI is between 25 and 29.9, she is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or higher is defined as obese—and that’s a problem that lasts long after bathing-suit season is over. 

“Obesity increases your risk for just about every disease,” says Klein. But BMI alone doesn’t tell the whole story; bear in mind that if you carry extra weight around your middle (say, your waist circumference is 35 inches or greater), you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and all their attendant health issues, even if your BMI is in the normal range, notes Dr. Stephanie Faubion, an internist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Calculate yours: Annually, or after a weight gain or loss. if it’s too high, make an effort to eat less and exercise more. Keep a tape measure handy to track any waist changes as well.

C-Reactive ProteinHealthy number: lower than 1.0 mg/L.

The amount of C-reactive protein (CRP) found in the blood, measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L), is a marker of chronic, low-grade inflammation that has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

Have yours checked: When you don’t know your risk for heart disease. CRP levels aren’t routinely measured, “but it’s useful information, especially if you don’t know your risk or family history for heart disease,” says Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale University School of Medicine Prevention Research Center. “Doctors typically test CRP levels if they’re undecided about how aggressively to treat someone with borderline-high cholesterol or symptoms of angina but no other risk factors.” 

They may also order the test if a patient lacks these risk factors but has a strong family history of heart disease. in such cases, a high CRP level may lead a doctor to prescribe drug therapy, such as statins, earlier, or to suggest that the patient make more aggressive lifestyle changes (a healthy diet, more exercise) sooner rather than later. if you have high CRP levels, your doctor should recommend lifestyle changes and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and ground flaxseed) to help reduce inflammation in the body.

HeightHealthy number: How tall you were at age 21.

This target is yours alone, to see if you’re keeping up your vertical peak.

Have yours checked: Annually. if you shrink by more than an inch and a half after age 21, which suggests bone loss (osteoporosis), you should get a bone-density test or a spine X-ray. “About one in every two women has an osteoporotic break or fracture in her lifetime,” warns Thacker. so if you have lost some of your full height at any age and find out that your bone density is low, you’re on notice: Your bones are fragile and at risk for breaking with a minor fall. To protect them, consume a calcium-rich diet and vitamin D, and do regular weight-bearing exercises (like brisk walking or tennis) and strength training. Smoking and alcohol intake can also adversely affect bone health. take a bone-protective medication if your doctor advises it.

Hitting Your NumbersTo get or stay in healthy ranges, aim for the following:* Get 150 to 240 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. Include some weight-bearing exercise (walking, jogging) on most days.

* Do strength training (weights, resistance bands) two to three times a week.

* Consume five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

* Eat a serving of fatty fish twice a week, or take a fish-oil supplement (three grams or less) daily.

* Get at least 75 milligrams of vitamin C (about six ounces of orange juice) daily.

* Consume 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium and at least 1,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D a day.

* Limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day maximum.

* Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

By Susan Millar

It’s good for you, inexpensive and simple, but an often overlooked asthma remedy. Drinking enough pure water daily can actually help prevent and reduce asthma symptoms plus increase your general health and fitness. Dehydration produces a large amount of histamine, which creates back pain, inflamed joints, allergies and asthma. the lungs need water almost more than any other part of the body, when the body lacks sufficient water the lungs feel tight and sensitive.

In addition, restricted airways due to lung dehydration result in a decrease of water vapour from leaving your body. Next the mucous becomes very sticky and thick, making it harder to breathe. Asthma symptoms such as coughing or wheezing can occur. Experts say that increasing your pure water intake to eight to ten, eight ounce glasses daily can prevent these asthma and allergy symptoms and also reduce the frequency of attacks. they suggest drinking a glass every two hours works well.

Many people won’t drink that much due to the inconvenience of frequent urination, but it’s a small price to pay for better health. If your urine is not a very pale yellow, or even clear, you are not getting enough water (taking B-complex vitamins will result in bright yellow urine).

Distilled water or spring water is best, but filtered tap water will work just fine for most people and is less expensive. Prior to drinking, shake it vigorously for a while. This will oxygenate it.

Asthmatics also need to take more sea salt to break the mucus plugs in the lungs, which obstruct the free flow of air in and out of the air sacs. taking a pinch of sea salt after every two 8 ounce glasses of pure water is recommended.

If you are searching for a natural asthma remedy for your asthma symptoms and to improve your health and fitness you will find that the Dramatic Asthma Relief Report program is very effective and safe to use.

Want to find out more about ways to reduce asthma symptoms, then visit dramatic-asthma-relief.com to choose the best natural asthma remedy for your needs.

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