Studies showthat a person’s dental hygiene can affect more than just their teeth.
Research hasshown that gum disease, which is inflammation of the gums and destruction ofthe supporting structures of the teeth, can cause heart disease and strokes.
Gum disease,known as periodontal (around the tooth) disease, can also cause tooth loss,bleeding, swollen gums and bad breath.
This diseasebegins when toxins that are found in dental plaque gradually damage the toothstructure causing the gums to pull away from the teeth creating pockets inwhich excessive plague can accumulate.
“Periodontaldisease is the most pervasive infectious disease that is under diagnosed andseldom treated,” said Dr. Kenneth Markle, a local dentist and diplomat ofperiodontics.
“It has adestructive toll on the body, because usually, the person is not aware of itspresence.”
According tothe American Academy of Periodontology, oral bacteria can affect the heart byattaching to heart blood vessels contributing to plaque. Plaque build up in theheart can cause clot formation which can lead to heart attacks.
Dr. WalterLoesche, a University of Michigandental professor and his colleagues, conducted a study on 400 men to determinewhether or not there was a relationship between gum disease and heart disease.
It was foundthat those men who had heart disease contained higher levels of the bacteriaassociated with gum disease than those men who did not have heart disease.
“Yes, I amaware that many Americans have gum disease because I took a nursing assistantcourse, but I have not heard of this particular study” said Angelle Bush, afreshman nursing major from Opelousas.
Gum diseaseis caused mainly by bacterial plaque but can also be attributed to stress,tobacco use, puberty, pregnancy, genetics, diabetes, poor nutrition, grindingof the teeth and other factors affecting the body.
The studyalso showed that men who had lost bone from around the tooth roots and alreadyhad gum disease were at greater risk for having a stroke.
Those whohad dental examinations, at least annually, were four times less prone tohaving a history of stroke.
Benjamin E.Terry, a sophomore from Buffalo, New York, was aware that one could get gumdisease from a lack of proper care of teeth and gums but was not aware of thisparticular study and was very surprised by it.
“Now that Iknow about the study, I will be willing to spread this information and continueto practice good dental hygienic habits,” Terry said.
Periodontaldisease can be corrected with periodontal surgery, as well as non-surgicaltreatment.
Practicinggood dental hygiene such as regular brushing and flossing teeth can help toprevent gum disease.
