{"id":67,"date":"2017-06-13T21:29:14","date_gmt":"2017-06-13T21:29:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.docayer.com\/?p=67"},"modified":"2019-06-06T19:58:52","modified_gmt":"2019-06-06T19:58:52","slug":"dentist-leawood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.docayer.com\/blog\/2017\/06\/dentist-leawood\/","title":{"rendered":"Dentist in Leawood Explains the Link Between Oral Bacteria, Headaches"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"See<\/a>How often do you have headaches? If the answer to that question is \u201ctoo often\u201d then you may need to see your dentist regularly. Sounds strange, but the American Gut Project<\/a> has found a link between oral bacteria and headaches, specifically migraines. Therefore, Dr. Ayer advocates biannual dental cleanings and exams not only for the sake of your smile, but also for you overall well being. Continue reading to learn about the research on this link and how your dentist in Leawood may be able to help prevent migraine headaches.<\/p>\n

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Finding the Connection between Oral Bacteria and Headaches<\/h2>\n

The American Gut Project\u2019s study discovered that increased numbers of certain oral and intestinal bacteria can foods with nitrates to produce nitric acids. These acids can cause headaches. You may think the solution would be to eliminate these foods from your diet, but frankly there are just too many. Instead, Dr. Ayer<\/a> and his team of dental hygienists can provide a thorough dental cleaning in Leawood in order to reduce the levels of these bacteria.<\/p>\n

Nitrite and Migraine Headaches<\/h2>\n

Researchers at the University of San Diego School of Medicine found that people who have regular migraine headaches have something in common\u2014they seem to generally have a higher number of nitrate-reducing bacteria in their mouth. Therefore, if you combine foods high in nitrates with a poor oral hygiene routine at home, then you may be creating an atmosphere that is prime for headaches. Why? Because these bacteria convert nitrates in food to nitrite. One of the side effects of nitrite is dilation of blood vessels in the body. When this happens, there is increased blood flow and, therefore, migraines are more likely to develop because of vascular instability. Therefore, failing to brush and floss daily, as well as the absence of professional dental cleanings, may be the real reason for migraines.<\/p>\n

How Should You Brush and Floss?<\/h2>\n

We realize that you\u2019ve probably been brushing and flossing your teeth for years, but that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doing an effective job. Follow these tips from Dr. Ayer to improve your daily oral hygiene routine:<\/p>\n