Going to the dentist is not an easy thing for many people, but if you want to keep your teeth or even extend your life, this step is necessary.
More and more studies show that regular visits to the dentist, cleaning teeth, and maintaining oral health can not only prevent toothache and tooth decay, but may also help prevent a variety of major diseases including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc.
Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific advisor to the British Dental Association, pointed out that gum disease affects more than half of the world’s population, but the good news is that such diseases can usually be treated and, more importantly, prevented.
Daily good habits for oral health
It’s not difficult to keep your mouth healthy. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, reducing the frequency of eating sweets and sugary drinks, quitting smoking, and having a dental check-up every two years (more frequently if symptoms occur) can effectively maintain oral and overall health.
Heart disease and stroke: gingivitis may be the culprit
The root cause of gum disease is usually dental plaque, a sticky substance composed of food debris and bacteria. If it is not removed, it is easy to cause gingivitis and bleeding.
A study from the State University of New York found that treating periodontal disease (such as scaling, root planing, and the use of antibiotic gel) significantly reduced inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, which are associated with the risk of heart disease.
In another study conducted at Sydney Dental Hospital, researchers removed teeth from more than 70 patients with severe periodontal disease and found that inflammatory compounds in the patients’ bodies dropped significantly.
There is a view that periodontal bacteria may enter various parts of the body through the blood, causing infection and even accelerating arterial blockage, thereby increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
A 15-year study showed that women with antibodies to Porphyromonas gingivalis had a two-fold higher risk of stroke.
Hypertension: Periodontitis also affects
Research from the University of Athens found that people with chronic periodontitis are more likely to have high blood pressure and even develop hypertension.
Lung disease: Oral bacteria can also “attack” the lungs
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also related to oral health. Studies have found that oral bacteria may enter the lungs and increase the frequency of infection in COPD patients, especially smokers who are more susceptible.
Diabetes: Periodontal disease and blood sugar control affect each other
Diabetics are three times more likely to suffer from gum disease than ordinary people. A large study in the United States showed that diabetic patients with severe gum disease have a higher risk of death. Experts at Newcastle University said that gingivitis worsens blood sugar control, and high blood sugar in turn aggravates gingivitis, forming a vicious cycle.
Premature birth: Gum infection may affect the fetus
Studies have found that pregnant women with periodontal disease are more likely to have premature births. Researchers at the University of Alabama found that gum infection may increase the level of pro-labor hormones such as prostaglandins in the body, causing the fetus to be born early. Premature birth rates dropped by up to 84% in women who received periodontal treatment before 35 weeks of pregnancy.
Osteoporosis: Gum recession may be a warning sign
Periodontal disease not only affects the gums, but may also cause bone loss around the teeth. Studies have shown that some gum problems may be early signs of osteoporosis. Loose or falling teeth may not be a simple dental disease, but a manifestation of bone loss in the body.
Risk of premature death: Gum health actually affects life expectancy
A study covering more than 11,000 American adults and tracking them into old age pointed out that patients with severe gum disease have twice the risk of dying before the age of 64 as those with healthy oral cavity. This finding further emphasizes the importance of dental care.
Dental problems are not just “teeth” problems. From the heart, blood pressure, lungs, blood sugar, to pregnancy and bones, more and more studies have revealed that oral health is closely related to overall health. If you want to live a healthier and longer life, you might as well start by brushing your teeth carefully every day and seeing a dentist regularly.