Keeping healthy teeth and gums improves your looks and your life.
Healthy Teeth Healthy Brain
"A new study from Chung Shan Medical University in Taichung City has determined that people who have had periodontitis for more than 10 years are 70% more likely than people without periodontitis to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
The study team concluded by saying, “Our findings support the notion that infectious diseases associated with low-grade inflammation, such as chronic periodontitis, may play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. These findings highlight the need to prevent the progression of periodontal disease and promote health care services at the national level.”
Oral Health is Health
In one study, people with serious gum disease were 40% more likely to have a chronic condition as well.
Accordingly, "Physicians are taking a more holistic approach to their patients’ overall health," says Sally Cram, DDS, PC, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association.
Simply put the bacteria that can build up on teeth makes the gums prone to infection. Once there is a gum infection the immune system attacks the infection creating inflammation. Inflammation continues until the infection is brought under control.
Over time, inflammation and the chemicals it releases eat away at the gums and bone structure that hold teeth in place, resulting in serious gum disease called periodontitis. This inflammation can also cause problems in the rest of the body.
The relationship between diabetes and periodontitis may be the strongest of all the connections between the mouth and body. Inflammation that starts in the mouth seems to weaken the body’s ability to control blood sugar. And it is just that control which is lost as diabetes develops.
There is still conflicting evidence concerning the exact relationship, but it is known that up to 91% of patients with heart disease have periodontitis, compared to 66% of people with no heart disease. Some researchers suspect that periodontitis has a direct role in raising the risk of developing heart disease.
Brush, Floss, Rinse and feel good from your teeth to your toes!!
There is lots more information in this AARP bulletin Cleaner Teeth Can Brush Away Heath Risks.
