Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body!
The mouth can tell you a lot about the health of the rest of someone’s body. Research suggests that the health of the body might go beyond just the foods that go into one’s mouth. The bacterial and dental health of one’s mouth may indicate conditions that the person has in the rest of their body. Some research suggests that certain bacteria in the mouth may be indicative of systemic diseases within the rest of the body. Researchers have noticed some links between the various bacteria that causes periodontitis diseases can also be linked to the person having higher risks of diseases like strokes or bacterial pneumonia. Pregnant women who have periodontal diseases may be more likely to deliver pre-term or low-weight babies some studies suggest. Note that that all these claims between periodontal diseases and these different infections are still under investigations, and more studies are needed before this is accepted as scientific fact.
It has also been suggested by some professionals that having systemic disorders including diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections, or full-blown AIDS can cause people to contract bacteria that cause conditions like periodontitis a lot more easily than people who do not have these conditions. Again, more studies are needed to prove these connections to be for certain. However, the results so far have indicated that these connections may be related. The cases of periodontitis that are contracted by people with these conditions may also be a lot more severe than those cases contracted people without that same condition. However, it is worth noting that because two conditions occur together doesn’t mean that they are related to each other. More studies need to be done before any such claims can be made with confidence.
Given the potential links between periodontitis and other conditions that many individuals may have, it’s even more vital to maintain proper oral health to help prevent these conditions from becoming a problem in the first place. It is vital to brush your teeth thoroughly at least once, preferably twice per day, as well as to floss daily. Choose dental tools that are also approved by the American Dental Society (ADA) to ensure that you are getting effective tools that actually help improve the oral hygiene of your mouth. If the product is not ADA approved, skip it in favor of one that is approved. If you cannot brush after meals at least rinse water through the mouth to help some of the food get out from sitting between or on your teeth till the next time you consumer food to replace it or drink water to get rid of it.
In the end, the easiest way to prevent gingivitis and eventually periodontitis is by regularly visiting the dentist on the recommended semi-annual for a regularly cleaning and inspection. Any gingivitis/periodontitis, cavities, or toothaches that you are suffering from are found early before the damage is severe or irreversible. This is also vital to pregnant women as any oral bacteria that enters the mouth and consequently the body can also effect the unborn child. Getting recommended dental care is vital to everyone’s health, well-being, and future, especially for those who are pregnant or wanting to become pregnant. It can be the difference between a healthy start for their children in their lives, or an unhealthful one.
If you have any questions regarding this article please contact us or call us at 909-465-1016.
The Ramona Dentistry Team
“Where Family Comes First”