Cosmetic Dentistry Weblog

What is it that oral cancer, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases premature low birth weight babies have in common? They may be linked to dental hygiene. Surprisingly there are many more diseases than a root canal may be the result of poor oral health.

In a study conducted by the ADHA was found that 75 percent of Americans have periodontal disease and do not even know. In its early stages is reversible but if left untreated can lead to oral cancer, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases and premature low birth weight babies.

Oral cancer – Perhaps the most obvious of the listed diseases, oral cancer with the lives of nearly 9000 per year, with about 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It might surprise you to know that more common than many other diseases that are more familiar to the general public. Oral cancer is more common than leukemia, brain cancer, thyroid, liver, ovaries and cervix. Generally, the disease can be treated and principles of this treatment are successful 90% of cases. Is the spread of oral cancer may be more difficult to treat and ultimately can cost your life.

Heart Disease – You may already know that heart disease is the number one murderer of women (more common than all other forms of cancer, including breast cancer, and AIDS combined.) Researchers have found links between cardiovascular disease and bacteria that play a key role in periodontal disease. The welfare of his heart is undoubtedly linked to the general welfare of your body. Aggressive treatment of any type of bacterial infection will improve their health.

Diabetes – Did you know that diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death among Americans? Besides, do you know that almost 95% of people with diabetes also have periodontal disease? People with diabetes have an increased susceptibility to various types of infections. There is a clear relationship between periodontal disease and fluctuations in levels of blood sugar.

Respiratory diseases – Bacteria from periodontal disease can travel to other parts of the body. Often, this bacterium makes its way to the mouth to the lungs. This obviously affects the ability of an individual to breathe. Respiratory problems are also commonly seen as catalysts for further development of respiratory problems.

Pre-mature low birth weight babies – Pregnant women with periodontal disease in their bodies harbor a bacterial infection. Researchers have discovered that this bacterium can trigger the body’s natural labor inducing chemicals, producing a mother at the beginning of delivery. The result is that mothers with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have pre-mature (and thus, low birth weight babies.

Other physical ailments that may be linked to dentistry include feeding disorders, osteoporosis (and resulting bone fractures, pain and disability), including the HIV virus is commonly found in the mouth first. Early detection of periodontal disease and other oral health-induced diseases can be provided by maintaining regular dental examination appointments.

Other signs or periodontal disease include, but are not limited to:

• Swelling / tender gums

• Pus around the teeth and gums

• loss of teeth or loss / separation of the teeth

• Pain and tenderness

• bleeding gums

• A change in the way teeth fit together (that is, when you bite down or wearing dentures)

Your dentist can and should be your first line of detection and protection against the debilitating effects that periodontal disease can have on your body.