Neglect Your Mouth at Your Own Peril.
Research Suggests a Link Between Oral Health and Multiple Health Risks.
The mouth is often overlooked by doctors as a source of infectious disease. An estimated 500 species of a live in the mouth, and each organism this perfect warm, dark, moist environment and has direct access to your body through the mouth’s highly absorbent tissues blood stream, airways, and digestive tract. It is becoming very clear that the state of oral health may a major single predictor of general health.
More than 80% of adults have some form of deterioration of the periodontium (gums), ranging from mild gum inflammation to full-blown periodontal disease requiring surgery. The mouth is home to millions of microbes, most of which are harmless. However, some may cause infections such as tooth decay or gum disease. Damaged gums allow oral bacteria entry into the bloodstream to wreak havoc in the body. Ira Shapria, DDS, from St. Luke’s Medical Center Sleep Disorder Clinic, “The area in the oral cavity affected by periodontal disease can measure as long as the distance from the ankle to the groin.”
Because the oral cavity is a major portal of entry for bacteria to invade the body, dental infections have been identified as causes of the following:
· Heart disease: Bacteria hitch up with platelets to circulate through the body and may deposit into the vessels supplying the heart. Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported finding severe gum disease in 85% of heart attack victims (as opposed to 29% in those without cardiovascular incidents).
· Stroke: The National Institute of Dental Research reports that 70% of the fatty deposits clogging the carotid arteries in stroke contain bacteria, with 40% of the bacteria originating from the mouth. Previous research shows with severe gum disease have twice the risk of stroke compared to people with good oral health.
· Lung diseases: Extensive tartar buildup and plaque correlate to risk for chronic lung disease. According to Dr. Shapria, studies demonstrate an increased risk of lung infections, abscesses, and upper respiratory infections in patients with gum disease.
· Diabetes: Diabetics with gum disease are three times more likely to have heart attacks than those without gum disease.
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is considered to be an early stage of periodontal disease (a disorder affecting the infrastructure of the teeth and gums). According to the American Dental Association 48% of adults 64-74 have gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by plaque, deposits of bacteria, mucus, and food particles that accumulate on the gums, causing swelling and bleeding. The gum erodes to form pockets that entrap more plaque deposits.
If left untreated, gingivitis may progress to pyorrhea (periodontitis). Bacteria become trapped between the gum and teeth, causing infection. Pyorrhea manifests as foul smelling breath (halitosis), painful and bleeding gums. In extreme cases of pyorrhea, the bacteria invade the gums, causing abscesses that require surgery to remove infected tissue and reshape the bone (osseous surgery). Even if you have an experienced, meticulous, well educated dentist such Paul Gibbs, DDS, of Davidson, NC, the postoperative period is excruciating, even if you’re ex-marine and fireman like me.
Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, warning signs of periodontal disease include the following:
- Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
According to the AAP avoid periodontitis with the following precautions:
· Eat a balanced diet.
· Limit sugar intake.
· Practice good flossing and brushing techniques(proxy brush). Recommended by Dr. Paul Gibbs, DDS, Davidson, NC.
· Treat chronic illness, if apparent.
· Visit the dentist regularly for preventive maintenance.
· Do not smoke.
· Do not engage in illicit drug use.
· Do not drink alcohol excessively.
The Following Nutrients can help Prevent or Reduce Periodontal Disease:
· Coenzyme Q-10 may decrease the depth ofperiodontal pockets
· Vitamin C promotes healing of bleeding gums
· Calcium prevents bone loss around the gums
· Magnesium is necessary to complement the calcium
· Vitamin A helps gums heal
· Folic acid helps reduce gingival inflammation
· Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oils)
Dr. Walt Kasmir, ND is a Psychophysiologist, Life Coach, and Speaker specializing in Stress Management and Peak Performance. For more natural health and stress management content or to book Dr. Walt log onto http://www.AskDrWalt.com
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