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In part two, we began a further exploration into collagen and the tonsils. We will touch more on the tonsils and get submerged in the salivary glands!
At Precision Dental of Windsor, providing evidence-based dental information is a crucial part of our individualized care. When you armed with the knowledge you can take better preventive measure in your dental health. Learn more about dental structures in today’s post.
More on The Tonsils
If tonsils play a part in the immune system, why are they removed?
Tonsils are often removed because of tonsillitis, which is chronic inflammation in the tonsils, as a result of strep throat or other infections.
The symptoms do affect people in a fever, swollen neck and lymph nodes, painful swallowing, runny nose, and bleeding spots on the tonsils.
How are tonsils related to oral health?
One of the other main cause of a tonsillectomy is when the tonsils become so enlarged they cause a concern in breathing. If you are having trouble sleeping and/or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, in some cases, your tonsils may be the culprit. Oftentimes when the tonsils are removed, your sleep and quality of life are vastly improved.
Salivary/Sublingual Glands
These glands are a part of the oral mucosa we explored in part one and they are the structures that produce saliva. Optimal saliva production is crucial to your overall oral health as it combats the bad bacteria that erode your teeth and causes cavities.
There are major and minor salivary glands to assist your body in fighting off disease, digestion, and infection. Saliva is a beautiful ecosystem on its own that protect against microbial invaders. These beneficial compounds include:
- Lysozyme – Cut bacterial cell walls
- Lactoferrin – An essential microbial nutrient
- Histatins (antimicrobial peptides) – Inhibit the formation of S. mutans (causes cavities) and Candida albicans.
- Salivary IgA – Prevents the formation of dental plaque
When your saliva is healthy and thriving it protects against cavities and gum disease, thus when it is robust, your entire body will be as well!
If you experience dry mouth (xerostomia) that is unrelated to medications or other variables, you have an increased risk of developing tooth decay and can also signal a potential autoimmune issue known as Sjogren’s disease that causes an impaired saliva response.
Why Are These Oral Structures Relevant?
In this series, we have identified many structures that relate to not only our oral health but also our systemic health. These structures include:
- Oral mucosa
- Lymphatic system
- Collagen
- Tonsils
- Salivary glands
When these structures are functioning properly, your overall health will likely be as well. Your mouth is an excellent peek into the state of the rest of your body. And while having an instaperfect straight, white, glimmering smile is something we all hope to achieve — dental health will always trump this.
Research continues to surface that when you address your teeth and take care of your oral health, you are caring for your entire body. So, if you feel a little off and your health isn’t optimal, turn to your teeth and investigate a little further with your dentist!
To schedule an appointment at our Windsor dental office, connect with us today!