There is a strong link between general and oral health
There is growing evidence that there is a strong link between general and oral health. A few decades ago, if a doctor suspects a patient has a heart problem, they probably won’t refer their patient to a gum specialist or dentist. But the same can be said for people with diabetes or other illnesses. However, times are changing.
Physicians are increasingly taking a holistic approach to patients ’general health and for good reason. According to a recent study, a person with severe gum disease is 40% more likely to have another type of chronic disease.
In this article, we group what we have to say about general and oral health around two main topics. How is it possible that oral health affects the health of the whole body? Why is it that oral care like daily brushing and flossing are more important than we think?
The relationship between mouth and body
To understand the mechanism of action of general and oral health, we must first understand what problems can arise in the mouth. If bacteria settle on the teeth, the gums become susceptible to infections. The immune system tries to fight the infection and the gums become inflamed. The inflamed condition persists as long as the infection exists.
Inflammation and the chemicals attack the gums and, over time, the bones that hold the teeth. The result is a severe gum disease known as periodontitis. This inflammatory condition can negatively affect the health of the whole body.
Oral Health and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and periodontal disease have an important common feature, bone loss. However, this relationship is controversial. While osteoporosis is mainly due to the so-called. long tubular bones attack the arm and leg bones, while gum disease attacks the jaw bone. Interestingly, osteoporosis primarily affects women, while periodontitis is much more common in men.
Although the relationship is not fully elucidated, some studies suggest that gingival disease is much more common in women with osteoporosis than in those who have not been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Researchers are testing the theory that inflammation-induced periodontitis can weaken the bones of the body in general.
Oral Health and Smoking
Smoking is also the most dangerous voluntary risk for both general and oral health. There is almost no known disease that cannot be linked to the harms of smoking. All dental interventions are riskier, recovery is slower, and side effects are more likely among smokers than non-smokers.
One of the detrimental effects of nicotine is that it constricts blood vessels, thereby deteriorating not only the blood supply to the gums but also the heart and lungs, and thus the entire body will be deficient in oxygen, along with all its harmful consequences. Anyone who is consciously worried about their own health is NOT smoking!
Oral Health and Other Conditions
The relationship between general and oral health conditions of the body is a relatively new field that medicine is addressing. Let me mention some of these:
- Arthritis - It is a proven fact that one of the positive side effects of treating gum disease is the
reduction of joint pain.
- Lung diseases - Neglected oral health, diseases of the gums and teeth, can cause pneumonia or other infections in the lungs or make the disease worse.
- Overweight - Several studies see a strong link between obesity and the development of gum disease. As periodontitis progresses, the increase in body fat content appears to accelerate.
In summary, can be said that there is a strong relationship between general and oral health that the human body can have an effect on oral health and vice versa. The condition of the gums and teeth can also affect the health of the whole body, ie the health of the mouth determines the health of the whole body. That is why it is extremely important to have regular and thorough dental care and to check the condition of our oral health at least twice a year, even in a condition without complaints. So, don't risk your health.
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Source: iliDent Patient Coordinator Center © Copyright 2021 iliDent.com