Did you know that practicing good oral hygiene could help your lungs?
Poor oral health can directly contribute to a variety of respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Gum disease can aggravate existing symptoms of COPD and make flare-ups more likely, according to a 2011 study in the Journal of Periodontology.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common respiratory diseases. The third leading cause of death in the United States, COPD is estimated to affect more than 11 million people, according to the Lung Institute.
COPD is a disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe. It's an ongoing condition and not fully treatable. Typically, patients are diagnosed after the age of 40, and because the symptoms develop slowly, it's often mistaken for other health issues. As a result, COPD is one of the most underdiagnosed diseases worldwide.
Symptoms include excessive coughing, spitting up abnormal mucus, an on-going shortness of breath and limited lung function. If you're a heavy tobacco smoker, you're more likely to develop COPD, but even non-smokers can develop the disease if they already suffer from asthma, bronchitis or sleep apnea.
If you've been exposed to a lot of environmental pollutants like heavy smog, you may end up fighting COPD too. Understand your body Our bodies are like a big puzzle - each piece and function is tied to another.
So if you haven't been taking care of your oral health, you could be setting yourself up for more trouble, even with your lungs. When bacteria that comes from environmental factors (like bad smog) combine with a buildup of bacteria in your mouth, it can actually end up damaging your lung tissue. This results in a higher risk of developing a respiratory infection.
If you already have a pre-existing condition, like asthma or bronchitis, this "buildup combination" can make the things even worse, so it's important you tell your dentist if you're noticing any new or worsening problems related to your oral health.
Genetics, lifestyle and other stressors can also contribute to asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Prevent the symptoms If you suffer from COPD, remember to take care of your mouth to help prevent aggravation from gum disease. Visiting your dentist regularly to improve your gum health can help alleviate COPD symptoms.
If you have COPD, you should stop using tobacco products to limit further damage to your lungs. Always maintain good oral hygiene, and brush regularly.
Periodontal or gum disease is known to be a significant risk factor of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions increasing the risk for heart disease and diabetes. In a new study, researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) discovered that infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacterium causing periodontal disease, causes skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction, the precursor to metabolic syndrome, by altering the composition of the gut microbiome.
Periodontal bacteria have long been known to cause inflammation within the oral cavity, but also systemically increase inflammatory mediators. As a result, sustained infection with periodontal bacteria can lead to increases in body weight and lead to increased insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. The function of insulin is to help shuttle glucose from the blood into tissues, most importantly to skeletal muscle, where one quarter of all glucose in stored. Unsurprisingly, insulin resistance plays a key role in the development of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions including obesity, altered lipid metabolism, high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, and systemic inflammation. Although skeletal muscle plays a key role in decreasing blood glucose levels, a direct connection between periodontal bacterial infection and the metabolic function of skeletal muscle has not been established yet.
"Metabolic syndrome has become a widespread health problem in the developed world," says first author of the study Kazuki Watanabe. "The goal of our study was to investigate how periodontal bacterial infection might lead to metabolic alterations in skeletal muscle and thus to the development of metabolic syndrome."
To achieve their goal, the researchers first investigated antibody titers to Porphyromonas gingivalis in the blood of patients with metabolic syndrome and found a positive correlation between antibody titers and increased insulin resistance. These results showed that patients with metabolic syndrome were likely to have undergone infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis and thus have mounted an immune response yielding antibodies against the germ. To understand the mechanism behind the clinical observation, the researchers then turned to an animal model. When they gave mice that were fed a high-fat diet (a pre-requisite to developing metabolic syndrome) Porphyromonas gingivalis by mouth, the mice developed increased insulin resistance, and fat infiltration and lower glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle compared with mice that did not receive the bacteria.
But how was this bacterium capable of causing systemic inflammation and metabolic syndrome? To answer this question, the researchers focused on the gut microbiome, the network of bacteria present in the gut and with which the organism co-exists symbiotically. Intriguingly, the researchers found that in mice administered with Porphyromonas gingivalis the gut microbiome was significantly altered, which might decrease insulin sensitivity.
"These are striking results that provide a mechanism underlying the relationship between infection with the periodontal bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis and the development of metabolic syndrome and metabolic dysfunction in skeletal muscle," says corresponding author of the study Professor Sayaka Katagiri.
(08/06/2021) by Tokyo Medical and Dental University
B-complex vitamins play a variety of roles in your health, and insufficient amounts of these vitamins in the diet can lead to symptoms like dry mouth, cracked or split lips, and cracks in the corners of your mouth. Vitamin B deficiencies can be treated by incorporating the right foods into your diet or by using the oral or injection-based supplements that are available.
B Vitamins and Oral Health
According to an August 2017 study in the Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, several B-complex vitamins are vital to your oral health. When you're deficient in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and/or B12, you may experience various oral problems, ranging from cracked lips to tongue inflammation or even ulcers in your mouth.
B-complex vitamins are usually found in the same foods and have overlapping roles in your health. This means that a deficiency in any single B-complex vitamin is likely to be accompanied by deficiencies in other B vitamins. There are eight essential vitamins that make up the B-complex family. According to the Food and Drug Administration, most people need to consume the following amounts of B-complex vitamins on a daily basis:
1.5 milligrams of thiamin (vitamin B1)
1.7 milligrams of riboflavin (vitamin B2)
20 milligrams of niacin (vitamin B3)
10 milligrams of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
2 milligrams of vitamin B6
300 micrograms of biotin (vitamin B7)
400 micrograms of folate (vitamin B9)
6 micrograms of vitamin B12
There are four other B-complex vitamins (B4, B8, B10 and B11) as well, but they aren't considered to be essential nutrients that you need to consume on a daily basis to stay healthy.
Cracked and Split Lips
A deficiency in vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B12 is known to cause cracks in the corners of the mouth. This condition is specifically known as angular cheilitis (_also called _angular cheilosis, angular stomatitis or perlèche), and is essentially an inflammation of the lips.
People who experience this condition will have dry, red lips that crack on one or both sides of the mouth. These cracks may be itchy and painful; they may form white scabs and even bleed. When angular cheilitis occurs over a long period of time, it can cause an infection.
Vitamin B deficiency and cracked lips that occur around your mouth (not just on the sides) are primarily due to lack of vitamin B1. If you have cracked lips for long periods of time, you may also experience a split lip in which one of the cracks breaks completely and begins to bleed.
While long-term treatment for this requires resolving the vitamin deficiency, more immediate treatment typically involves applying soothing ointments, like petroleum jelly, coconut oil or medicated lip balms.
Of course, cracked and split lips aren't just caused by vitamin deficiencies. They may occur for a variety of reasons, such as exposure to cold weather or bacterial or fungal infections. In many cases, cracked and split lips will go away on their own. However, if you suspect that you have an infection or that a vitamin B deficiency is causing cracked lips, you should consult your physician.
Getting Enough Dietary Vitamin B
You can find B-complex vitamins in a variety of foods that come from both plant-based and animal products. If you're experiencing cracked lips or other oral symptoms of vitamin B deficiency, you can find thiamin (vitamin B1) in:
Enriched grains and whole grains
Legumes
Nuts
Meat products, particularly those made with pork
You can find riboflavin (vitamin B2) in:
Eggs
Enriched grains
Meat products
Milk products
Seafood
Spinach
You can find niacin (vitamin B3) in:
Beans
Enriched grains and whole grains
Meat products
Nuts
Seafood
You can find vitamin B12 in:
Dairy products
Eggs
Fortified cereals
Meat products
Seafood
Seaweed (but only certain types)
These vitamins are important because they support the function of red blood cell formation, the nervous system and the gastrointestinal system; they also help convert food into energy.
If you aren't able to obtain enough essential nutrients in your diet, your doctor may recommend that you take supplements. If your deficiency is particularly severe, your doctor may even recommend an injectable version of certain B vitamin supplements.
(08/07/2021) by Siddhi Camila Lama, MS, PhD, CNC, CPT
Many medications can have negative effects on oral health, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is a potential side-effect of numerous medications. Saliva helps to clean the mouth, however, if it is not flowing normally dry mouth can develop. Patients can also be more prone to gum infections and tooth decay as a result of dry mouth.
The following medications can cause dry mouth:
antihistamines
painkillers
high blood pressure medications
decongestants
Parkinson’s disease medications
some chemotherapy medications.
Patients should be advised to sip water throughout the day, suck on a sugar-free sweet or chew sugar-free gum to promote saliva flow, and limit their intake of caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and tobacco as these can contribute to a dry mouth.
Abnormal bleeding
Aspirin and anticoagulants such as warfarin are commonly used to prevent stroke or heart disease. However, when patients on these drugs receive treatment for periodontal diseases or are having oral surgery, they are at risk of bleeding problems.
Therefore, it is imperative that patients inform their medical professionals if they are taking anticoagulants so that precautions can be taken to minimise bleeding.
Inflammation, mouth ulcers, and discolouration of the soft tissues
Patients can develop inflammation, mouth ulcers, and discolouration of the soft tissues when taking prescribed drugs.
These drugs include:
oral contraceptives
immunosuppressant drugs
blood pressure medications
some chemotherapy medications.
Patients should speak to their dentist who can recommend a regimen to help reduce the discomfort.
Enlarged gums
Gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth. The condition has a number of causes but it is often a symptom of poor oral hygiene or a side-effect of using certain medications.
Enlarged and puffy gums can occur when taking the following medications:
antiseizure medications such as phenytoin
calcium channel blockers for heart conditions
immunosuppressant drugs.
Nurses should encourage their patients to speak to their dentist as extra care will need to be taken when brushing and flossing. Symptoms of gingival hyperplasia include bad breath, pain, and inflammation.
Black hairy tongue
Black hairy tongue is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria create red blood cell pigments, which can make the tongue look black. Other causes of black hairy tongue include the use of tobacco products and drinking excessive amounts of caffeinated drinks.
Good toothbrushing techniques and using mouth rinse can help treat black hairy tongue. Patients should ask their dentist for advice if the problem persists.
Tooth discoloration
Chlorhexidine is commonly found in most mouth rinses and is used to treat gum disease. A common side-effect is tooth discolouration. Nurses should therefore advise their patients not to use a chlorhexidine based mouth rinse in the long term.
Minocycline is an antibiotic that can be used to treat acne. Side-effects of this drug include:2
an area of black pigmentation on the gums
tooth discoloration
black hairy tongue.
Patients should be advised to speak to their dentist about tooth-whitening treatment for discoloured teeth, including information on how to use the mouth wash and as well as duration of use.
Altered taste
Certain medications can leave a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth or can affect the ability to taste. These medications include cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, respiratory inhalants, and smoking cessation products, such as nicotine skin patches.
If the patient is finding the side effects intolerable, advise them to speak to their GP for advice and perhaps a change of medication.
Bone loss
Bisphosphonates are drugs used to treat osteoporosis. They can sometimes cause a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jawbone, which results in destruction of the jawbone. Complications can occur when a tooth is extracted.
Patients should always make sure their medical professionals are aware of the medication they are taking as they may be able to prescribe an antibiotic if this is required.
Cavities
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria. Too much sugar in the diet can lead to cavities.
Symptoms of dental caries can include:
pain
tooth sensitivity
bad breath.
Some medications, including those given to children, contain sugar. Sugar can be found in antifungal agents, cough drops, and many chewable tablets, such as vitamins.
Advise patients and their children to try to take medications in tablet form (to minimise contact time with the teeth) if possible or recommend taking medications at mealtimes only.
If patients are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, advise them to see their dentist or dental hygienist who will be able to offer further advice and guidance.
We all know there are three key steps to regular dental health and maintenance - brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. If you perform all three regularly and visit your dentist every six months, you should be in good shape. However you may be curious which order of the three produces the best results. Let's look at the combinations that work and a combination that you should avoid.
Mouthwash First
First, let's look at the less-than-ideal combination of using mouthwash first. While it may be temping to freshen up with mouthwash before you brush or floss, generally it is better to finish with mouthwash rather than start with it. The reason has to do with the two primary benefits of rinsing with mouthwash. It freshens your breath and fluoride mouthwashes help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. To keep your breath as fresh as possible, you'll want to finish with mouthwash to maximize its effect. If you rinse with water after swishing and brushing, you're bound to lose some of the freshening effect of mouthwash. More importantly fluoride mouthwash needs to stay on your teeth as long as possible to be effective. For these reasons mouthwash is best used last.
The one exception to the rule is whitening mouthwashes which come with directions to rinse with them before brushing. However it is worth noting that whitening agents need to stay on your teeth for a while to work well. If you're interested in whitening your teeth, it may be wiser to investigate in-office whitening treatments.
Brushing, Flossing Then Mouthwash
A popular combination for many patients is to brush first, floss afterward and finish with mouthwash. This is a natural choice for many because they are used to getting into the bathroom and brushing right off the bat. Generally this is a good approach to take because you'll clear out a lot of loose food particles and then be able to deep clean with floss afterward. The downside of this method comes in the temptation to breeze through flossing without using proper technique or allowing for enough time. Worse yet, some people will be tempted to skip flossing altogether. While you don't have to floss every time you brush, you absolutely want to floss at least once a day. As we just covered, finishing with mouthwash is the best option regardless of whether you brush or floss first.
Flossing, Brushing Then Mouthwash
As an alternative to brushing first, many people choose to floss first. There are several strengths to this order that make it generally the best option of the three. If you floss first, you're more likely to give it the attention and time it deserves. It's general human nature to spend the most time on the first task, and focusing on floss is important, but remember you'll need to brush afterward for three minutes as well. In addition, flossing first ensures you'll clear food particles out of hard to reach places so you'll kill the most bacteria in your mouth when you brush. Bacteria likes to hide in hard to reach places, and it grows quickly when sticky or starchy foods are near your teeth. Flossing all that out first ensures your brush and toothpaste can do the best work possible. Lastly, finishing with mouthwash ensures you'll get fresh breath and keep the fluoride on your teeth to work for 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
So which approach is better - brushing, flossing and then mouthwash or flossing, brushing and then mouthwash? Honestly both approaches, when done right, will foster a healthy approach to dental hygiene. The key is really to take your time and exercise proper form both when brushing and flossing. If you rush through either, you'll end up getting less than ideal results. You've got to put in the time if you want the best dental health possible.
Medical professionals are finding more links between oral health and overall health. Believe it or not, lactose intolerance and dairy allergies can affect your teeth and your dental visits.
What Is Lactose Sensitivity?
The word “sensitivity” means different things to different people. Some people use “allergy” and “sensitivity” interchangeably. Technically, an allergy is an immune system reaction, whereas sensitivities include allergy-like responses that do not involve the immune system. One type of sensitivity is lactose intolerance. This is not an allergy to the sugar in milk products, but rather an inability to digest it.
The Relationship Between Lactose Sensitivity and Oral Health
People who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy naturally reduce their intake of dairy products or eliminate such foods from their diet altogether. While calcium is found in many types of produce and some seafood, not everybody includes enough of these items in their diet to attain sufficient calcium levels. Thus, patients with lactose intolerance are likely to be calcium-deficient.
Calcium deficiency can cause the gums to become irritated and invite infection and inflammation. Left unmanaged, diseased gums can lead to tooth loss. Low calcium levels also contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a loss of bone mass due to insufficient mineralization. Bone loss in the jaws can eventually lead to tooth loss.
If you are lactose intolerant, it is important that you consume non-dairy sources of calcium, such as greens, sardines, soybeans, oranges, dried figs, and fortified processed foods. Lactose-reduced dairy products are tolerated by many. You may also wish to take a calcium supplement. Probiotics and enzymes can improve digestion of lactose.
Aside from good nutrition and supplementation, regular dental visits are even more important if you have lactose sensitivity. Your dentist can closely monitor your oral health and make recommendations as necessary. Thorough cleanings also minimize the chance of gum irritation.
Every person dreams to be fit and healthy throughout life. Many individuals take care of their physique, dress well, eat well, but do not pay attention to their oral hygiene. What people do not realize is that oral hygiene is not just about maintaining a bright white smile. It is about following proper oral hygiene to stay healthy.
Poor oral hygiene is not just dangerous for your teeth, gums, and mouth, it can also cause many health issues. Many types of germs and bacteria can thrive in your mouth and go into the bloodstream to severely affect your health. It can cause the following health problems:
Dementia:
Studies show that poor oral health can cause health issues related to the brain. Gums start releasing certain substances, which can get infected and damage brain cells. It can cause memory loss!
You should improve your oral hygiene from today to prevent the risk of gingivitis. It can cause Alzheimer’s disease and that would be a serious health concern for any healthy person. The bacteria released from your gums can quickly affect nerve channels and enter the bloodstream. The risk of dementia will increase pretty rapidly once the bacteria reach your brain with blood!
Cardiovascular health issues:
Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. People often experience gum inflammation due to bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. These bacteria not only reside in the patient’s mouth but infect the bloodstream.
Oral bacteria can cause plaque buildup in arteries and that plaque only hardens with time. This condition is known as atherosclerosis and it is one of the most serious health issues. Such a blockage in arteries can cause a heart attack. It becomes a big threat to a person’s life. Therefore, oral hygiene is quite important.
Diabetes:
A diabetic person is always at risk of periodontal disease and gum infection. However, very few people know that periodontal diseases can also make it so difficult to control diabetes. Such a disease can cause a huge spike in blood sugar levels. It can cause many severe health issues related to diabetes.
A diabetic person should follow a perfect oral hygiene routine. Regular brushing, flossing, and gargling help in eliminating the risk of gum diseases. Products like Mi Paste for sensitive teeth ensure your teeth are strong and the dentin is well-protected.
Respiratory system infection:
Poor oral health can be responsible for respiratory infection. Bacteria from swollen gums and poorly cleaned teeth can breach your respiratory system. These bacteria can cause pneumonia, COPD, bronchitis, and many serious diseases.
You can avoid such health problems by cleaning your mouth at least twice a day. Thus, no germs will survive longer in your mouth and you will be healthy much longer.
Complications during pregnancy:
Pregnant women are not only responsible for their health, but also proper development of the child. Therefore, it is more important for them to practice the best oral hygiene. Oral infections can occur during this time due to hormonal changes in the body. These infections can cause pregnancy complications.
You would never like to risk your baby’s health and life due to poor oral health. Therefore, you should clean your mouth regularly and floss daily to keep the germs out of your mouth. You will significantly reduce the risk of premature birth if you follow this advice.
Cancer:
Things take a more dangerous turn when poor oral hygiene is combined with smoking or chewing tobacco. Such practices rapidly increase the risk of mouth cancer, throat cancer, and other types of cancer.
Smoking, excess drinking, and chewing tobacco are dangerous to your health. Leave such bad habits today to live a healthy life. Follow an impeccable oral hygiene routine to completely eliminate the risk of health issues due to poor oral hygiene.
Final thoughts:
As you have learned that poor oral hygiene not only affects your oral health but also causes many health problems. It hardly takes five minutes to clean the teeth and floss to kill accumulated germs. So, try it to stay healthy and maintain an attractive smile.
It might sound like a horror movie but the fact is, if you have certain species of pathogenic oral bacteria in your gums, they could be slowly making their way into your brain as you read this. These bacteria among 100s of others responsible for oral health issues, including tooth decay, cavities and periodontal disease (or gum disease).
The bacterial invaders identified so far
UK researchers have identified three bacterial species capable of entering the brain:
Porphyromonas gingivalis,
Treponema denticola, and
Tannerella forsythia.
How do they get there?
First off, all of these bugs need to establish colonies in plaque and calculus. That’s easy for them if you fail to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth twice daily and visiting your dentist every 6 months.
Next, once firmly established in the periodontal tissues (below your gum line), they can infect surrounding soft tissue and bone. That’s when you start to develop periodontal pockets and gum disease. Along with these oral conditions, you may start experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums – their first point of exit to the rest of the body.
All they have to do then is to wait until the next bleeding event – triggered by brushing your teeth or eating food – when they hitch a ride on your red blood cells along the blood stream super highway straight into your brain. And it’s a fairly easy entry for them since your brain lacks immune checkpoints.
The other way two of the mentioned bacteria can access your brain tissue is quite unique. Since they are motile (the ability to move), they can creep along the nerve fibres that connect your tooth roots to your brain.
What happens once they get there?
In short, they can settle in biofilms (similar to the plaque on your teeth) in the areas of your brain related to memory. When your immune system eventually cottons on to what is happening, it will respond and attack the bacteria.
Now that’s okay as a one off, but repeated daily exposure to these oral bacteria and their by-products, can result in neuron and nerve cell death in your brain according to UK researchers in a 2014 study. As such, the presence of oral bacteria in the brain and the associated side-effects has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Stop them at the gates!
Once P. Gingivalis and company are in your system, it can be rather difficult to get them out completely. That’s why proper oral care and regular visits to a dental hygienist throughout your life are so important – to prevent these bugs from entering your body in the first place.
Did you know that your mouth is home to over 6 billion bacteria? This is according to a review published in Frontiers in Microbiology, which goes on to explain that hundreds of species of oral bacteria usually coexist in a balanced environment, but when conditions change, some types can take over, causing tooth decay or gum disease. Nonetheless, the one species most closely linked to periodontal (gum) disease is Porphyromonas gingivalis, or P. gingivalis.
How Gum Disease Develops
The distinctive nature of periodontal disease (periodontitis) is that it destroys the supporting structures of the teeth — including the gum tissue, the bone that holds your teeth in their sockets and the ligaments that connect the teeth to the bone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when not treated, the acute inflammation caused by periodontal disease can lead to pocket formation around the teeth and ultimately tooth loss.
It all starts with letting bacteria build up on your teeth. This results in gum inflammation, which causes your gums to swell and bleed easily. Plaque — the collection of bacteria — eventually hardens into tartar, which can spread underneath the gumline. As the disease advances, your gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and forms a deep pocket, where more bacteria gather and degrade your supporting bone and ligaments.
The Role of Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Although more than one species of bacteria is involved in causing gum disease, P. gingivalis is the number one opportunist. These microorganisms are classified as gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria that thrive in an environment without oxygen, as the Frontiers in Microbiology review notes. That's why spaces under your gum tissue are the perfect home for this species, especially the deeper pockets caused by more advanced disease.
The Frontiers in Microbiology review points out that this species of bacteria is found in 85.75% of plaque samples taken from under the gumline of patients with chronic periodontitis. And because these bacteria have the ability to bypass some of your body's immune responses, they can easily invade. In addition, P. gingivalis has virulence factors that cause damage to the patient's cells.
The Relationship Between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Disease
A recent Biomedical Journal article reports that the list of diseases with possible connections to periodontal disease is growing. It includes:
Diabetes and insulin resistance
Cardiovascular disease
Respiratory infections
Alzheimer's disease
Gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers
Some adverse pregnancy outcomes have also been linked to periodontal disease. However, the article warns that a cause and effect relationship has not been fully established, and studies are ongoing.
One possible explanation for these connections is that bacteria such as P. gingivalis produce endotoxins that could directly contribute to systemic diseases. These bacteria may enter the bloodstream following dental surgery or other procedures.
There may also be an indirect link related to the body's inflammatory response. Oral inflammation can create systemic inflammation throughout the body, and conversely, inflammation in the body could affect oral inflammation. This is frequently evident in people with diabetes, where uncontrolled blood sugar levels can predispose one to periodontal disease, and likewise, periodontal disease can negatively affect blood sugar levels. Similarly, because Alzheimer's disease is the result of inflammatory processes, periodontal disease could increase a person's risk for Alzheimer's. Conversely, compromised oral hygiene in a person with Alzheimer's can increase their risk for periodontal disease.
Treatment and Prevention
If you have any signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, sore or swollen gums, it's an indication that you need to reexamine your oral hygiene routine. You should be brushing thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, making sure you clean well around and under the gumline. Daily flossing is a must. See your dentist for dental cleanings at least twice a year to remove hardened tartar before it damages your gums or allows pockets to form. If periodontal disease has reached the stage of deep pockets and bone loss around the teeth, your dentist may recommend periodontal surgical procedures to stop further progression of the disease.
You may always have billions of bacteria in your mouth, but with good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits, you limit the risk of P. gingivalis causing periodontal disease.
The dental implant is a popular restoration option among patients due to its natural feel, function, and appearance. Continue reading to learn more about dental implants. To gain a better understanding of how dental implants can benefit you, the following are several questions to ask your dentist about the dental implant process.
Dental implant questions to ask your dentist
No one should have to live with missing teeth that cause oral health, functional, or cosmetic concerns. Fortunately, patients now have more options than ever to restore their smile after teeth loss occurs.
What are dental implants?
It helps to start with a basic understanding of what dental implants are and what their purpose is. This helps patients make a better choice as to whether it is the most appropriate solution for them. Dental implants are a form of tooth replacement that involves a titanium post (known as the implant) that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the support for a prosthesis (crown, bridge, or denture).
What does the dental implant process involve?
The dental implant process involves several steps and can take more than six months to complete. Patients that have experienced bone loss in the jaw typically require a bone graft procedure. This procedure grafts natural bone (or synthetic material) to the area where the bone loss occurred, which allows for added support for each implant. The implant placement is next. This procedure requires minor surgery. Once the mouth heals and the implants go through osseointegration (fusion with the jawbone), a follow-up procedure is scheduled to place the abutment and the replacement teeth.
Who is an ideal candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are ideal for anyone who has a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth and wants a permanent and non-removable solution that looks, feels, and functions very similarly to natural teeth. However, patients that choose dental implants over alternative solutions can expect a much longer treatment process that involves a more invasive placement procedure. While serious complications are relatively rare, the patient must be willing and able to go through a more extensive treatment process.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime, and most patients find that their implants last for more than 15 years. However, this refers to the titanium post. The replacement teeth (crown, bridge, or complete denture) may need a replacement every 10 to 15 years, depending on how well cared for they are by the patient. To ensure both the implants and the prosthesis last for as long as possible, patients should brush and floss several times a day, limit foods and drinks that could contribute to gum disease, and visit the dentist for regular cleanings.
