Oral Health
Our complex body uses countless connections and linkages to keep us in a healthy state of being. Nothing in our body works in isolation ... mouth health and body health are linked.Diabetes:
Inflammation that starts in the mouth is believed to weaken our body’s ability to control blood sugar and it would be no surprise to learn that this is connected to diabetes. High blood sugar unfortunately creates ideal conditions for infections including gum infections. Periodontitis and diabetes are strongly linked with research providing much support for this and treating one will actually help the other.
Heart Disease:
Statistically, a higher percentage of people with heart disease also have periodontitis compared to people free of heart disease. Whilst the two conditions have risk factors in common such as smoking, excess weight and unhealthy eating, there is a theory that periodontitis may itself raise the risk of heart disease. It is thought the oral inflammation leads to inflammation of blood vessels which can raise blood pressure as well as reduce blood flow. Further, that fatty plaque building up inside blood vessels can break off and lodge in the heart (predisposing to heart attack) or brain (predisposing to a stroke).
Pregnancy:
Researchers are looking at the possibility of gum disease being linked with babies of low birth weight, being born too early, with lung and heart conditions then learning disorders. They are suggesting that infection and inflammation may adversely affect fetal development.
Osteoporosis:
The link here is inconclusive and controversial but can still be considered. Osteoporosis is bone loss, and gum disease can cause bone loss in the jawbone. Once again, inflammation seems to be the enemy with the theory (yet to receive clinical support) that inflammation brought on by periodontitis could weaken bone in other parts of the body.
Smoking:
Whilst gum disease does not cause a person to smoke ! smoking certainly is a major risk factor for gum disease. Statistically, the smoker is much more likely (three times more likely) to suffer severe gum disease than the non-smoker. It has been found that nicotine constricts blood vessels and this compromises the gums’ ability to fight infection. Any required gum surgery and recovery is resultantly more difficult.
The articles I found to create this newsletter suggest other links within the body:
- periodontitis seems to progress faster in the presence of higher body fat. Yet another reason to maintain a healthy body weight;
- periodontal disease may increase the bacteria within the body including the lungs which can worsen lung conditions; and
- there is an association between periodontal disease treatment and pain reduction from rheumatoid arthritis ... perhaps the anti-inflammatory action of the periodontal medication may help reduce the inflammation from arthritis.
- brush teeth correctly, daily, flossing correctly also
- eliminating sticky sweet foods and drinks
- replace sugar with xylitol which strengthens teeth
- not smoking
- dental checks
- good calcium/Vit D intake
- supplements such as pomegranate and cranberry extracts (as we use in our Oral Vitality) reduce plaque and tooth decay
- casein phosphate is a good natural chemical found in cheese and it lowers the acidity in the mouth increasing resistance to decay ... so people who end their meal with cheese are doing themselves a favour!
We are not healthcare or medical professionals and the information contained here is not to be taken as medical advice. It is recommended that you consult you healthcare professional prior to taking any supplements and always read the label, use only as directed, and if symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
