Dental Health: Mirror of Overall Health
Periodontal diseases might lead to heart diseases. Since 1990 it has been debated whether there exists a definite link between cardiovascular and periodontal disease. But now it is a clearly documented theory that periodontal health can affect overall health. Many future and present health issues can be traced from a close review of our dental set.
Destructive oral bacteria, infections, and gum diseases are nearly always linked to serious health issues. A careful study of our saliva can reveal a lot about our present and future dental and medical issues.
Gum disease has also been linked to endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart), and cardiovascular disorders for a long time. Over 60% of people worldwide suffer from some sort of periodontal disease starting from gingivitis to considerable bone loss and even tooth loss. Gum disease is also linked to pneumonia, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Tissue breakdown caused by oral infections results in the release of toxins which causes premature births and low birth weight. Pregnant women are often affected by gingivitis and should visit a periodontist each three months.
Our mouth is like a gateway. Any infection in the mouth causes harmful bacteria to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Our oral cavity, being richly supplied with blood vessels, happens to be highly absorbent. An infection here can easily be transmitted to the vital organs. Patients undergoing organ transplants, joint replacements or cancer treatments, should first be attended by a periodontist. Many doctors require patients to be given a clearance by a periodontist prior to further treatment.
Dentists (periodontists) are increasingly being acknowledged as oral physicians.
They can diagnose a host of medical problems by analyzing the oral cavity. Various kinds of leukemia, liver diseases, human papilloma virus, bulimia and oral cancer leave clear signs in the mouth. Oral screening has become very common nowadays.
Oral laser surgery and treatment, grafts, dental implants and site-specific treatments for various periodontal diseases have improved the standard of general health in patients. Research and developments are on to use human stem cells to regenerate lost teeth. Genetically altered bacteria, rinses and coatings are being developed to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. As modern medicine has extended our life span, similarly modern dentistry has extended the time till which we can retain our natural set of teeth.
Periodontists will in time become the guardians of our health. This does not in any way reduce the importance of surgeons and general physicians. To know more about dental health and dentistry you might log on to www.lynndentalcare.com.