What?!? Sick Because Of My Teeth??? You’ve got to be kidding!
By Judit Rajhathy
Editor’s note:
Judit’s excellent article will serve as a reminder to you about how important
your teeth are. In this same issue, please read "Finding the Right Dentist in Lake Chapala"
by Karen McConnaughey for information on dentists in Lake Chapala.
Did
you know that gum disease is linked to heart disease and stroke? Research
also suggests that there may be a link between periodontal (gum) disease and
other health conditions such as chronic inflammation, diabetes, respiratory
disease, pregnancy problems, premature low birth weight babies and even
osteoporosis.
The
American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) reports
that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease
compared to those without gum disease.
How
does it all work? When plaque becomes built up around the teeth, bacteria
forms and irritates the tissues that surround the teeth which is what is known
as gingivitis. However once the bacteria goes beneath the gum line it
eventually attacks the tissues and even the bone around the teeth (osteo) which
often leads to tooth loss. According to the American Dental Association
(ADA) nearly 75% of American adults have some form of periodontal disease.
Eventually this periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream creating havoc
with the rest of the body.
In
the case of the connection between periodontal disease and heart disease
several theories abound. One is that oral bacteria enters the bloodstream
attaching to fatty plaques in the blood vessels thereby contributing to clot
formation which in turn obstructs normal blood flow restricting nutrients and
oxygen required for the heart to function adequately. Another theory is
that “the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up,
which may contribute to swelling of the arteries” (Perio.org). In
addition, it is well known that periodontal disease can worsen existing heart
conditions and that these folks need to take antibiotics prior to any dental
procedures for safety.
Diabetics
are twice as likely to develop gum disease and inflammation affects blood sugar
levels by impairing the body’s ability to process and/or use insulin.
So
. . . if you have gums that bleed easily; red, swollen tender gums; gums that
are pulling away from your teeth; bad breath or bad taste in your mouth; loose
teeth; changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or changes in
the fit of partial dentures, it is time to visit the dentist. “When you have a
chronic infection in your mouth it can put you at a much higher risk for
infections elsewhere in your body,” says Sally Cram DDS (ADA).
Just
like your dentist has been pleading with you for years, flossing your teeth is
one of the most effective ways to prevent periodontal disease. Studies
have shown that even after just two weeks of regular flossing can significantly
reduce the amount of periodontal disease causing bacteria - and remember that
this bacteria can wreak havoc with your entire system. Brushing twice a
day, regular dental cleanings and checkups are also essential.
Now
that you have taken care of your oral health so that the rest of you can be
disease free, add some regular exercise to the mix. See you at the gym!
Judit Rajhathy is the owner of Change of Pace Fitness
Center and is the author
of the Canadian best-seller Free to Fly: a journey toward wellness. She
can be contacted at 766-5800.