By Dr. Fung
Having a clean, healthy mouth is good for eating, talking, and smiling. However, more and more evidence indicates that oral bacteria have a strong correlation with many systemic diseases. Poor oral hygiene can cause a 2-10 fold increase of oral bacteria, and research suggests that this bacteria can spread throughout the body and play a part in causing significant health problems.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: diseases of the heart and blood vessels
Many bacteria and blood proteins found in people with periodontal disease have been linked to chronic infection, clot formation, and vessel deposits, all of which play a part in cardiovascular disease.
Also, oral infection can lead to tooth loss, which often causes a person to avoid nutritious foods that are harder to chew. High-calorie, high-fat foods predispose people to heart disease.
ATHEROSCLEROSIS: artery wall thickening due to fatty material accumulation; HEART ATTACK: interruption of blood flow to the heart, most commonly due to blockage
According to one study, 42% of the atherosclerotic plaques in patients with severe periodontal disease contained one or more varieties of harmful oral bacteria.
STROKE: loss of brain function due to a disturbance in the brain’s blood supply, usually caused by a blockage or hemorrhage
It is suspected that inflamed gums release proteins and bacteria that affect blood coagulation, contributing to stroke.
In one study, poor oral health was more common in the patients with history of stroke than in individuals of the control group.
LUNG FUNCTION
There is a strong link between poor oral hygiene and compromised lung function, and periodontal bacteria have been found in infected lung fluids and tissues.
DIABETES MELLITUS: body’s inability to process sugar properly
Diabetics are more prone to periodontal disease, and the severity of the oral condition is related to the duration and control of the diabetes. Researchers are investigating whether or not periodontal disease predisposes people to diabetes, and one study showed that periodontal treatment improved blood sugar control.
RHUEMATOID ARTHRITIS: inflammation of many tissues and organs, but most often affecting the joints
Moderate to severe periodontal disease seems to increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, possibly related a disruption of the inflammatory response.
LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
Pregnant women with periodontal disease are at higher risk for preterm labor and babies with low birth rate. The relationship is not clearly understood, but it is thought that the common underlying condition is related to the inflammatory response.
With so many life-altering health problems associated with poor oral heath, do you need anymore reasons to come for frequent professional cleanings and take care of your Plaque Control with brush, floss, and any other aids we have recommended?