The Body Mouth Association

Brushing your teeth may be more important than you think. Gingivitis, an early phase of gum disease, is inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria above the gumline. If left untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis**, a more serious and damaging stage of infection and resulting gum inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated there is an association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death in both men and women. More research is needed and is underway to better understand the exact nature of this association and the potential impact serious gum disease may be having on these systemic conditions.

Fighting oral bacteria and gum inflammation associated with gingivitis by brushing is a simple step that people can incorporate into their daily routines to help keep their mouths healthy, and this may have a positive effect on their overall health. To understand how to avoid plaque attack, continue reading
 

Heart Disease

Recent research indicates that severe chronic gum disease (periodontitis**) is associated with the development of heart (cardiovascular) disease. There are several theories as to how periodontitis** may have an impact on heart health. One theory is that bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the mouth and have the potential to attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which may contribute to heart disease. Another theory is that the inflammation associated with periodontitis may play a role. A recent study examined the presence of bacteria known to cause severe chronic gum disease and the thickening of the blood vessel wall commonly seen in heart disease. After examining over 650 subjects, the investigators concluded that there was an association between an increased level of blood vessel thickening and the presence of the bacteria found in dental plaque known to cause periodontitis**.

Be sure to tell your dentist if you have a heart condition and what, if any, medications you are taking for it. Your dentist will record important health information in your record and coordinate treatment with your physician.

Stroke

The possible relationship of stroke and severe chronic gum disease (periodontitis**) has been demonstrated in a number of recent studies. One study examined the presence of artery plaques (fatty deposits) in subjects with and without severe chronic gum disease. The researchers determined that subjects with severe chronic gum disease had a risk for the presence of carotid artery plaque deposit level almost four times that of than subjects without periodontal disease.

Diabetes

Recent research has suggested that severe chronic gum disease (periodontitis**) is often associated with diabetes and might be considered one of the chronic complications of diabetes. In addition, severe chronic gum disease may also impact a diabetic individual's ability to control blood glucose levels. A recent study consisting of over 200 subjects examined the relationship between diabetes and severe chronic gum disease. The results of the study indicate that subjects with diabetes had a greater level of severe chronic gum disease than subjects who did not have diabetes

Smoking

Smoking has long been considered a strong risk factor for the development of periodontitis.** Smoking impairs the blood flow to the periodontal tissues, which prevents the body from mounting an effective immune response to periodontal bacteria, and which also inhibits tissue healing after the periodontitis has been treated. A recent study examined the effect of quitting smoking on a group of patients who were to undergo non-surgical treatment of periodontitis. The investigators reported that the patients who had quit smoking had improved healing and improved periodontal pocket probing depths when compared to patients who had not quit smoking.

Pregnancy

A growing body of evidence suggests that severe chronic gum disease (periodontitis**) during pregnancy is associated with pre-term delivery and low birth weight in babies. A recent study compared the oral health status of over 80 women who delivered babies pre-term with that of women who delivered babies at approximately the estimated due date. The researchers found that the women who delivered early had a higher level of severe chronic gum disease than the women who delivered normally. Severe chronic gum disease was also associated with lower birth weight. The relationship suggests that poor oral health during pregnancy can impact the gestation period as well as the weight of the baby at the time of delivery.

Respiratory Disease

Residents of long-term care facilities are often at a greater risk of developing respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia. Poor oral hygiene has been suggested as one possible reason for this development. It is believed that bacteria which can cause respiratory disease are present in dental plaque. Previous studies have demonstrated a reduced incidence of respiratory disease development in patients who had daily oral hygiene performed while in long-term care facilities. A recent study examined the levels of respiratory pathogens present in the dental plaque of patients in a long-term care facility. The investigators found that the dental plaque can be a source of respiratory pathogens, and suggest that oral hygiene protocols be instituted to reduce the development of respiratory disease in this population of patients.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Periodontitis** and rheumatoid arthritis are very similar in that both are inflammatory in nature and result in tissue damage and loss. It has been hypothesized that these similarities may provide an association between the two diseases, in that periodontitis** may influence rheumatoid arthritis and vice-versa. A recent study examined what impact treatment of periodontitis** would have on rheumatoid arthritis by measuring the level of biochemical and clinical markers in patients who have both diseases. The results indicate that treatment of periodontitis** may have an effect on the clinical and biochemical markers of rheumatoid arthritis.

Women's Oral Health and Overall Health

Is There a Link Between My Oral Health and My Overall Health?

The Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health states that good oral health is essential to good general health. And specifically for women, a growing body of research has linked gum disease to a variety of health problems that affect women. Because gum disease is a bacterial infection, it can enter the bloodstream and may be a factor in causing other health complications:

• Heart disease: People with gum disease may be more at risk for heart disease and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack. Heart disease is also the number one killer of American women.
• Stroke: One study found a casual relationship of oral infections as a risk factor for stroke
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease and may make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar. Gum disease may also be a risk factor for diabetes, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
• Respiratory problems: Bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can travel to the lungs causing respiratory disease such as pneumonia—especially in people with gum disease.
• Pregnancy outcomes: Pregnant women who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby born too early or too small. Gum disease may also trigger increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor.Because gum disease is usually painless, many women may not even realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state. Your best defense is to brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.

How do My Oral Health Needs Change Throughout My Life?

Women have special oral health requirements during the unique phases in their lives. Changes in female hormone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause exaggerate the way gums react to plaque. So at these times, women need to be especially thorough when brushing and flossing every day in order to prevent gum disease.

Other important information you should know:

• Menstruation - some women find that their gums swell and bleed prior to their periods, while others experiencecold sores or canker sores. These symptoms usually go away once your period starts.
• Oral contraceptives - inflamed gums are one of the most common side effects.
• Pregnancy - studies show many pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis, when dental plaque builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums. Symptoms include red, inflamed and bleeding gums. Prenatal care is especially important.
• Menopause - oral symptoms experienced during this stage of a women's life include red or inflamed gums, oral pain and discomfort, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and dry mouth.
• Osteoporosis - a number of studies have suggested a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Researchers suggest this may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports teeth may be decreased. When combined with gum disease, osteoporosis speeds up the process of bone loss around the teeth