How Much is a Smile Worth?

Steve Mye
How much is a smile worth? A good set of pearly whites not only shines happiness, but can also signal good health. One’s level of oral care is reflective of how well the rest of the body is cared for and has been linked to the risk of degenerative diseases. The state of the mouth can also reveal nutritional behavior, good or bad. As natural products have made their mark in the American diet, so, too, have they made their way into the oral care market, offering an effective alternative to conventional oral products that often contain harsh ingredients.

Good teeth and gums mean more than just a great smile and avoiding the dentist's drill. Periodontal health has been linked to many systemic diseases, although the links are mostly epidemiological. The American Dental Association (ADA) noted periodontis may be connected in some way to cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, bacterial pneumonia and pre-term/low birth-weight babies.

Ellen Kamhi, Ph.D., RN, author of “The Natural Medicine Chest” and herbalist/nutritionist for Nature's Answer, noted the recent surgeon general's report noted poor periodontal health affects three out of four Americans. "Recent university studies correlate this silent epidemic with many major illnesses because the microorganisms that cause periodontal disease easily migrate into the heart muscle and other body tissues," she added.

"As many as 75 percent of adults in the United States have been affected by periodontal disease, and an estimated 80.7 million adults (one out of every three) have been a victim of CVD in 2006, according to the American Heart Association (AHA)," said Kristine Schreiber, director of brand marketing, Natural Dentist Inc.

The connection between oral health and systemic disease may well be in the saliva's ability to provide markers of various health problems, from dental caries and periodontal disease to osteoporosis, infectious diseases and cancer.

Fighting Tooth Decay, Strengthening Gums

The first thing most people think of when it comes to dental care is preventing or limiting tooth decay. Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth enamel by sugars and starches from eating foods such as milk, soda, fruits and sweets. Left behind on the teeth, these carbohydrates attract bacteria that produce acid harmful to tooth enamel. Left unhindered, this acid can promote tooth decay.

One of the most alarming statistics for tooth decay involves young children. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analysis of the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) trial revealed tooth decay is increasing among young children, even as oral care improves. The number of children with tooth decay rose from 18 percent between 1988 and 1994, to 24 percent between 1999 and 2004, CDC reported.