Gum Health And General Health
It is well documented that links exist between the health of the mouth and diseases that affect other parts of the body. Every new research points to their association. Studies are proving that conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, reflux disease, and others can impact oral health and vice versa. Such studies can help the medical field and the dental profession provide interventions to help affected sufferers reduce their risks and improve lives.
Gum Disease and Periodontitis
Now there is a new study, published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, this time making the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It discovered that people who have suffered from gum disease for ten years or longer are 70 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s a huge study involving 25,000, examining those who are 50 years of age and older who have chronic periodontitis, the severe form of gingivitis. The study, however, did not determine any direct causal link between the two conditions, but have observed that the incidence of Alzheimer’s is higher in those who have long-standing gum disease.
There’s a very small study, though, that also points to the link. Twenty patients were examined, half have dementia, the other none. Gum bacteria was found in some patients with dementia.
Experts hypothesized that gum bacteria can enter the bloodstream through everyday activities – eating, chewing, toothbrushing – and can be carried to other parts of the body, including the brain. They can trigger an immune system response, killing brain cells and leading to changes in the brain, typical in Alzheimer’s.
That be so, still, gum disease is a preventable and treatable infection of the gums. By making sure that you take care of your oral health, you will decrease your risks for its associated medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. So if you have beginning gingivitis, you must be able to take steps early enough to arrest the condition that it does not lead to periodontitis.
Proper dental hygiene is the cornerstone of good oral health. Regular brushing and flossing at least twice a day with fluoride will protect teeth and gums. Keeping your dental appointments is another must. A healthy lifestyle with regards to diet and habits also help. The best approach is certainly prevention.
Preventing Medical Conditions with Healthy Gums
Be sure you keep teeth and gums healthy with regular dental visitations. You may just keep medical situations at bay with regular help from your dentist. Come by Ovelake Dental and consult with us regarding gum health.
