Maintaining healthy gums can lead to better overall health

  • Published
  • By Capt. (Dr.) Andrew Baker
  • 88th Dental Squadron
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  More and more today physicians are focusing on overall bodily health as opposed to treating only specific ailments as they occur, to improve quality and longevity of life. This concept has also become more important to dentists as well since research during the past two decades has shed light on the relationship between overall bodily health and oral health.

In specific, correlations between oral health and heart health, diabetes or blood sugar control, and birth complications, such as pre-term births with low birth weight, have been of particular interest and the topic of a recent 2013 review by dental researchers from around the world. Their aim was to identify all the evidence that might shed light on the association of these diseases with gum disease or more specifically periodontal disease. Some information you should know about your oral health and its relationship to your bodily health includes:

· The better your gum health, the less you are at risk for heart disease. Oral bacteria have been found in the narrowing of blood vessels in patients with cardiovascular disease and may contribute to this blockage formation. Patients with poor oral health have been shown to have more bodily inflammation, which can contribute to the progression of cardiovascular disease.

But if the gum disease is treated, it can improve blood vessel elasticity and decrease overall bodily inflammation.

· The maintenance of good gum care may help diabetes or blood sugar control. Research has shown treatment of gum disease improves the diabetic control and improves your blood sugar level.

· Healthy gum conditions may reduce the risks of some birth complications. Although the effect of gum disease on pregnant women is controversial, some studies have shown an up to five-fold increase risk of pre-term birth with low birth weight in women with untreated gum disease. Teeth cleanings to treat gum disease in the second trimester of pregnancy has been shown to be safe.

When considering your oral health and dental homecare, consider the affects that they may have on your overall health. Individuals may not be aware of their gum condition because of the absence of pain associated with periodontal disease. If you are concerned you may have gum disease, see your dentist at least annually to improve your overall health.

For information, contact the dental clinic at 257-8761.