Most people think of their oral health as a separate entity from their physical health. After all, it requires seeing a dentist instead of a regular physician, and it requires a separate insurance policy. However, you might be surprised to find out your health actually affects many aspects of your overall health, including digestion. To explain exactly how the state of your teeth and mouth affects digestion, King Campbell, DDS in Pagosa Springs, CO, offer some crucial insight.

The Relationship Between Poor Oral Health & Processing Food

Broken or Damaged Teeth

The digestive process starts with the teeth. Each one performs a different job when breaking down food in preparation for digestion. For example, the incisors cut the food, while the premolars and molars crush and grind pieces into smaller, digestible sizes. If these teeth are damaged in any way, this chewing power is reduced significantly. When you can’t break down food properly, your body will have to attempt to extract nutrients from larger chunks, which is difficult to do.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth are even more problematic. They can create or exacerbate gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion, gas, and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Even patients who replace missing teeth with dentures still struggle to chew with enough force to ensure proper digestion.

Saliva

The teeth aren’t the only aspect of your health that aid in digestion. Saliva also plays a big role in those first steps in the process. The enzymes in the saliva begin breaking down foods, particularly carbohydrates, in the mouth, making them easier to digest. Patients who suffer from chronic dry mouth don’t produce enough saliva to properly digest these nutrients. Inadequate saliva production can also lead to malnutrition due to your body’s inability to retrieve the nutrients from the foods you eat. To avoid such issues, preventative dental care, such as brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleanings, is essential.

If you’re concerned your oral health may be causing digestive problems, or if you’re overdue for a checkup and cleaning, turn to the team at King Campbell, DDS, PLLC. They will ensure your oral and overall well-being are maintained. Give them a call today at (970) 731-2126 to schedule an appointment with their dentist, and visit their website for more information on their services.