Good oral hygiene has many benefits for your overall health. Your mouth itself helps identify what the rest of your body is going through, often detecting early signs or symptoms of systemic disease.
Did you know more than 90% of all systemic disease produce oral signs and symptoms? Research suggests that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis (severe gum disease) may have an impact on some diseases.
Diabetes, HIV and heart disease can in fact lower the body’s resistance to infection making oral health problems potentially more severe.
What conditions may be linked to poor oral health?
Poor oral hygiene often contributes to the following diseases and conditions;
- Endocarditis – Endocarditis typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream
- Cardiovascular disease – Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
- Pregnancy and birth – Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight
- However, these certain conditions affect your oral health;
- Diabetes – Reducing the body’s resistance to infection. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes
- HIV/AIDS – Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS
- Osteoporosis – Can cause bones to become weak and brittle, often linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss
- Alzheimer’s disease – Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses
Other conditions that often can be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, head and neck cancers, and Sjogren’s syndrome which is an autoimmune system disorder that causes dry mouth.
How can diseases be detected?
The most common way to detect said diseases is through your Saliva. Saliva is also one of your body’s main defences against disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. It contains antibodies that attack viral pathogens, such as the common cold and HIV. And it contains proteins called histatins, which inhibit the growth of a naturally occurring fungus. Saliva also protects you against disease-causing bacteria. It contains enzymes that destroy bacteria in different ways, by degrading bacterial membranes, inhibiting the growth and metabolism of certain bacteria, and disrupting vital bacterial enzyme systems.
That’s where the saying, “lick your wounds” comes from!!!!
If you would like more information or help on Oral Health, contact us here at Mark Tangri Dental 0333 1234 999.
