Dental care
My father used to tell me and my sisters when we were young that dental problems increase in countries as the percentage of dentists and toothbrushes per capita increases. Now I knew it was the percentage of documented dental problems that increased, but other than brushing my teeth morning and evening, I never had much use for regular dental care. I took dental care more seriously after I had kids, but ignored reminders that I needed to floss every day. I bought floss and flossed when it crossed my mind (maybe once every two or three weeks?). But I never became motivated to invest that extra 45 seconds every day to take care of my teeth. However, recent studies on dental care have done what no dental technician’s lecture was able to do - made me start flossing daily. I also use a tongue scraper on my tongue every morning. I believe when you read the information, it may motivate you as well.
Gingivitis is the first step toward periodontal disease (PD). During the development of gingivitis, bacteria causing the infection move underneath the gum line and attack the tissues and bone around the teeth. Larger pockets are formed underneath the gums in which more bacteria can grow. By moving underneath the gum line, the bacteria have an easy passage into the bloodstream and can travel to other organs. One doctor put it this way: “The human mouth is colonized by a larger variety of bacteria than any other body area, and many of the bacterial species in the mouth that cause disease are found in the periodontal pocket adjacent to the teeth.” AND it’s estimated that 75 to 80% of adults in this country have some form of periodontitis. 80%!!! Just think of it, millions of bacteria growing and thriving in little pockets in your mouth and catching free rides to whatever part of your body they want to visit! In one study, men with a history of gum disease had a 63 percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer relative to men without PD. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. And 63% is a high risk rate. I personally want to deal with these little bacteria suckers while they’re still in my mouth, before they produce or complicate any of the following life-threatening diseases:
Diabetes. In a recent study conducted by doctors at Madrid’s Complutense University, 20 women and men ages 35 to 70 with PD received a common treatment called scaling and root planing. Ten of these participants had diabetes. When the diabetics were tested 6 months after treatment had ended, their average blood sugar levels had dropped by as much as 20%. Further anecdotal evidence seems to confirm that treating periodontitis will result in reduced need for insulin. Since periodontitis is an infection, the brain can respond by flooding the bloodstream with immune-system compounds, including a substance called tumor necrosis factor, which interferes with the ability of cells to absorb blood sugar. Experts now urge that periodontal inflammation be treated and eliminated in all people with diabetes, especially since such treatment may reduce the risk of injury to the retina and arteries that is a common consequence of diabetes.
Heart disease. Individuals who already have fatty deposits (plaque) in their blood vessels are more susceptible to this. Inflammation-causing bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and attach themselves to the plaque where they cause inflammation resulting in further narrowing of the vessels, putting the individual in danger of a heart attack. Studies have found that patients with severe periodontal disease are twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease as those who do not suffer from PD. And they’re nearly three times as likely to suffer a stroke. One study found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease, cavities, and missing teeth, were as good at predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels. The association with heart disease is especially strong in people under 50.
Alzheimers. Exposure to inflammation early in life from ailments such as chronic PD quadruples an individual’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, researchers reported at the first Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Prevention of Dementia. A new study examined pairs of twins and concluded that when periodontal disease is avoided in youth and middle-age, Alzheimer’s risk may be dramatically reduced. Further studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn, by why take a chance when prevention is so simple?
Rheumatoid arthritis. Study findings revealed that RA patients were nearly eight times more likely to have PD than control subjects. The findings accounted for such factors as age, gender, education and tobacco use. Researchers then examined the extent to which poor oral hygiene (due to limited finger movement) was connected to the increased occurrence of gum disease in RA patients. The results showed that while oral hygiene was a factor, it didn’t fully account for the association between the two diseases, suggesting there may be other issues involved. Although the study was looking at the flip side - that rheumatoid arthritis sufferers were more likely to have PD, you have to wonder which disease was more responsible for the connection . . .
Respiratory ailments. Bacteria in the periodontal pockets can travel from the mouth to the lungs and worsen any respiratory ailment, including pneumonia. Several agents that cause pneumonia dwell happily in their cozy little pockets next to your teeth. Enphysema and chronic bronchitis may also be worsened as well.
And the list goes on - oral cancer, premature birth, osteoporosis. And the kicker is that if you have advanced periodontal disease, even brushing and flossing can initiate or aggravate an inflammatory condition because your inflamed gums will probably bleed, and the laceration will allow the bacteria entrance to your bloodstream. S-o-o-o, I recommend revving up your dental routine immediately, before PD moves into the advanced stage. Schedule those biannual visits for teeth cleaning and exams, brush at least twice daily, and floss at least once daily. Here are some links describing proper oral hygiene techniques: