For clergy members, who often prioritize the needs of their congregations over their own, and who may neglect the often-dreaded dental visit, ministers can soon learn that ignoring dental care can affect one’s overall health and one’s ability to serve effectively.

Poor Oral Health is Linked to Serious Health Conditions

Did you know that neglecting your dental care can lead to a wide range of issues, including pain, cavities, bad breath (halitosis), mouth sores, gum disease (periodontitis), tooth loss, and oral cancer? Moreover, research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that poor oral health is linked to serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, endocarditis, pneumonia and pregnancy complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 60% of adults 65 and older have periodontitis. The effects of periodontitis include oral bacteria, inflamed bleeding gums, painful chewing, loss of teeth and even loss of bone. Dental plaque is the cause of this disease. Plaque is a form of sticky bacteria that builds up on your teeth and gums. If not removed every day, dental plaque becomes tartar and tartar build up becomes gum disease. Once the dental plaque becomes tartar, only a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist can remove it. Although there is no cure for periodontal gum disease, it is preventable.

Prioritize good oral hygiene by making mindful dietary choices, and scheduling regular visits to a dental provider to maintain a healthy mouth and a healthy life. Consider these basic steps:

1. 1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Prevent or lessen the effects of gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene.
   1. a. Brush your teeth at least twice a day – first thing in the morning and before you go to bed. Use fluoride toothpaste and be sure to brush all teeth surfaces.
   2. b. Floss once a day for places your toothbrush cannot reach. Brushing your tongue, which holds bacteria like a sponge, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day can help keep harmful bacteria away.
      
      
2. 2. Eat Right: As sited by the Harvard School of Public Health, “there is no health without oral health.“ Our food choices and eating habits are critical to preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
   1. a. Stay away or minimize your sugar intake to help keep your teeth healthy.
   2. b. Foods containing minerals like calcium and phosphorus protect teeth and help rebuild tooth enamel—these include cheese, milk, plain (no or low sugar) yogurt, calcium fortified tofu, leafy greens and almonds. For phosphorus rich foods, reach for high protein choices like meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Of course, fruits and vegetables are also great choices because they are high in water and fiber and help clean our teeth.
   3. c. Drink Water: The best choice in terms of what to drink for oral health is water by far. Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, helps keep your mouth clean and helps fight cavities.

Given the possible outcomes of not taking care of our teeth, good oral hygiene, making good food and drink choices, as well as seeing your dental provider regularly, should all be high on your self-care priority list. Regular cleaning, exams, and x-rays will allow your dentist to detect any oral problems early before it becomes a greater concern.

Attending to your oral health care may sound trivial as compared to serving the needs of your congregation, but it's essential for ensuring you can continue to serve them at your best for years to come. Self-care is always worth it!

Check out these additional articles on oral health:

• About Oral Health
• Do You Really Need a Dental Checkup Every 6 Months?
• Oral Health
• Oral Hygiene
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease
• Turning Back the Clock on Gum Disease

Marie Myers, MEd, is Manager of Health Plan Operations at the Penson Boards, responsible for assisting members and employers with health plan questions and concerns. Prior to joining Pension Boards, Marie worked as a Manager of Member Services for UnitedHealthcare. She has over 20 years of experience in health insurance, education, and management and cares deeply about ensuring people have a good understanding of their healthcare coverage and services available.