Having good oral health helps with many things in the mouth. For instance, it helps to ensure that you are safe from cavities, gum disease, and foul breath. However, these benefits extend just beyond the mouth. Good oral hygiene also has a positive impact on the rest of the body.
Recent studies have shown there is a correlation between gum disease and other illnesses that affect the body such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Saliva is Useful in Diagnosis
In some cases, the doctor will collect samples of saliva when diagnosis patients. For instance, high levels of cortisol are used to test babies for stress response. In some cases, fragments of specific proteins may be used to check for bone loss in those prone to osteoporosis. Certain cancers can also be detected using saliva.
Saliva tests are also used to check for exposure to harmful toxins and certain illnesses such as HIV. In future, it is expected that saliva testing will replace most forms of blood tests used today. It is a faster method of screening for most illnesses if made a reality. It will shorten the diagnosis time and lead to better treatment. However, for tests to be accurate, good oral hygiene will be a requirement.
Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s disease
According to the results of a study done at the NYU College of Dentistry, cognitive dysfunction is made worse by gum disease. Besides that, it could increase the chances of cognitive dysfunction. When those about 70 years were tested, their scores were nine points lower than in healthy individuals.
In another study performed in the UK, a bacteria common in people with gum disease patients was found in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s but not in healthy people. Bacteria can reach the brain by riding on the nerves that connect to the teeth or the tiny blood vessels in the teeth.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Numerous studies performed over the years show a connection between infected gums and heart disease. Although the data is not 100% proof, it shows clear signs are linking these two diseases.
For instance, the data has already shown that people with infected gums are two times as likely to contract heart disease as healthy ones. It has been found that individuals with a high level of bacteria in the mouth were more likely to have clogged arteries. It is one of the leading causes of stroke.
When the gums become infected, and they start bleeding, the bacteria find an easy route through which to enter the bloodstream. When the bacteria stick to platelets, they can cause clots to form in the bloodstream. Besides that gum, gum disease is inflammatory. When these inflammatory substances enter the blood vessels, they are likely to make illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease worse.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
If you can prevent gum disease, there is a good chance that the rest of your body will be healthy as well. Below are some necessary tips to keep your gums healthy:
Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily
Eat healthy food and keep processed food, especially those high in sugars, to a minimum
Visit your dentist at least twice a year or more if you notice that you have any signs of tooth decay or sickly gums
If your family has a history of heart disease, it is essential that you never miss any of your regular dental checkups.
Gum disease is quite easy to treat if it is identified early enough. If you go to the right dentist, he or she will use specialized techniques to ensure that the entire mouth is sterilized. Besides that, a visit to a dentist can also help to identify any early signs that your gums may be infected, even when it is not visible.
If you would like to watch out for your overall health, you should a visit to a good dental clinic. If you live in the Beverley Hills area, get in touch with our office. We offer a initial consultation, which we will use to assess your oral health.
