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‘Brush For Health’ Campaign

The aim this year is to raise awareness of the links between oral health and overall body health. The focus is on the relationship between gum disease and serious general health conditions like heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and low birth weight babies.

Heart Disease

In people who have gum disease bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream. It can then affect the heart by sticking to fatty deposits in the blood vessels of the heart. This can make clots more likely to form and these can reduce normal blood flow so that the heart does not get all the nutrients and oxygen it needs. This could lead to a heart attack. People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease, than those without gum disease.

Strokes

Gum disease bacteria in the bloodstream may contribute to clogged carotid arteries (blood vessels in the neck that carry blood to the brain) leading to an increased risk of stroke.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are more prone to infections in general and can find that they heal more slowly. If you do have diabetes it is important that any gum disease is diagnosed as it can increase your blood sugar and lead to diabetic complications.

New research has found that you are more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes if you have gum disease.

Low Birth Weight Babies

Pregnant women who have gum disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is premature and of low birth weight. Bacteria that cause gum disease have been found in the amniotic fluid of one in three mothers at risk of premature labour. It appears that gum disease raises the levels of biological fluids that bring on labour.

Chest Infections

Bacterial chest infections are thought to be caused by breathing in fine droplets from the throat and the mouth into the lungs. This can cause infections such as pneumonia, or could worsen an existing condition. People with gum disease have increased levels of bacteria in their mouths and may therefore be more likely to get chest infections.

Tell Tale Signs of Gum Disease

These include: red swollen gums which bleed easily, especially when brushing; an unpleasant taste in your mouth; bad breath; loose teeth; teeth that appear to have drifted into a different position

Always tell your dentist about any changes to your general health especially if you are pregnant, have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, or have ever had a stroke. You need to tell them about any medicines you are taking as these can affect both your treatment and the health of your mouth.

Although some evidence suggests that gum disease runs in families, the main cause is the plaque which forms on the surface of your teeth. To prevent gum disease you need to make sure you remove the plaque from your teeth every day and visit your dentist and dental hygienist for regular checks.

This article is provided for general information by Anderson Dentistry, Aberfeldy. 01887 820441