Dr Muzzaffer Hussain
To understand how the mouth can affect the body, it helps to understand what can go wrong in the first place. Bacteria that builds up on teeth make gums prone to infection. The immune system moves in to attack the infection and the gums become inflamed. The inflammation continues unless the infection is brought under control.The result is severe gum disease, known as periodontitis. Inflammation can also cause problems in the rest of the body.
ORAL HEALTH AND DIABETES
The working relationship between diabetes and periodontitis may be the strongest of all the connections between the mouth and body. Inflammation that starts in the mouth seems to weaken the body’s ability to control blood sugar. People with diabetes have trouble processing sugar because of a lack of insulin, the hormone that converts sugar into energy.High blood sugar provides ideal conditions for infection to grow, including gum infections. Fortunately you can use the gum disease-diabetes relationship to your favor: managing one can help bring the other under control.
ORAL HEALTH AND HEART DISEASE
Though the reasons are not fully understood, it’s clear that gum disease and heart disease often go hand in hand. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease have periodontitis, compared to 66% of people with no heart disease. The two conditions have several risk factors in common, such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. And some suspect that periodontitis has a direct role in raising the risk for heart disease as well.
ORAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY
Babies born too early or at a low birth weight often have significant health problems, including lung conditions, heart conditions, and learning disorders. While many factors can contribute to premature or low birth weight deliveries, researchers are looking at the possible role of gum disease. Infection and inflammation in general seem to interfere with a fetus’ development in the womb.?
ORAL HEALTH AND OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis and periodontitis have an important thing in common, bone loss. The link between the two, however, is controversial. Osteoporosis affects the long bones in the arms and legs, whereas gum disease attacks the jawbone. Others point to the fact that osteoporosis mainly affects women, whereas periodontitis is more common among men.
ORAL HEALTH AND SMOKING
Not smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your mouth and your body. According to the CDC, a smoker’s risk of severe gum disease is three times higher than someone who does not smoke.
ORAL HEALTH AND OTHER CONDITIONS
The impact of oral health on the body is a relatively new area of study. Some other mouth-body connections under current investigation include:
* Rheumatoid Arthritis.
* Lung Conditions.
* Obesity.
The Bottom Line on Oral Health
One thing is clear: the body and mouth are not separate.Your body can affect your mouth and likewise, your mouth can affect your body. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can really help you live well longer. This means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and going for regular dental cleanings and check-ups.
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