Hidden dangers of gum disease

Guard your gums

Your mouth is an open gateway for germs to enter your throat, sinus cavities, brain and other areas of your body. Poor oral hygiene, not taking care of your teeth and gums, gives plaque and bacteria a chance to grow on your teeth and inside your mouth. A plaque build-up can lead to gingivitis, tender and swollen and later to more serious and severe gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth loss.

However, a more serious set of hidden dangers has been noticed and reported by researchers. They point out a link between poor oral hygiene, gum disease and other major health issues and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, premature birth and respiratory infections.

Hidden dangers

Heart disease. According to research results, people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those that don’t have gum disease. Harmful bacteria from the mouth enter the blood stream and the heart’s blood vessels where they causes inflammation and a heightened risk of blood clots, which can trigger heart attacks.

Diabetes. Having diabetes makes a person more susceptible to contracting infections, including gum disease, especially when the diabetes is out of control.

Dementia. People with gum disease seem to have a raised risk of dementia later in life. Experts think oral bacteria may spread to the brain through cranial nerves that connect to the jaw or through the bloodstream.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation and painful joints. Sufferers are also more likely to have periodontal disease.

Premature birth. Studies on the link between periodontal disease and preterm birth have produced conflicting results. Some have shown that women with gum disease are more likely to deliver a baby before term while others showed that women who completed periodontal treatment before the 35th week of pregnancy did not.

Respiratory infections. Gum disease may increase the risk of getting respiratory infections such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia when bacteria from the mouth are inhaled into the lungs.

Preventing gum disease

Simple steps to help prevent gum disease:

• • Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day or more. Floss before you brush to get rid of food stuck between teeth.

• • Give your toothbrush a weekly soaking in a capful of hydrogen peroxide, to kill unwanted bacteria.

• • Rinse your mouth with colloidal silver or with a baking soda/sea salt mixture or coconut oil or with a high quality herbal mouthwash, to kill bacteria.

• • Replace your toothbrush with a new one every few weeks or so. Use a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles to protect sensitive gum tissue.

• • Brush your teeth for a full two minutes. Make sure you also brush the chewing surfaces well to help remove harmful bacteria in the crevices.

• • Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper.

• • Your mouth needs saliva to stay moist and healthy so increase your fluid intake. Ask your dentist about an artificial saliva product or chew sugarless gum after a meal.

• • Get your teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis.

• • Eat a healthy diet with food such as dairy and cheese that contain vital tooth-building calcium. Also remember to get your daily dose of sunshine, vitamin D, to help your body absorb calcium.

 

Sources
Corbett, H. C. Five scary reasons to take your teeth seriously. Retrieved from: http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/gum-disease-can-cause-serious-illness
Landsman, J. Unhealthy teeth and gums linked to chronic disease. Retrieved from: http://www.naturalhealth365.com/1036_tooth_decay.html/