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| GUM DISEASE AND GENERAL HEALTH |
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Most of us visit dentist only when we experience toothache. General trend is to consider dental and oral problem as a separate entity without realizing the fact that this is a part of general health and both are interconnected. Even some of us believe in want based cosmetic dentistry. Here are some facts which you may consider before forgetting your dental check up appointment.
Our mouth provides an environment in which over 300 bacterial species have been identified. Link between gum( periodontal) disease and different systemic conditions is now the focus for wide ranging research around the world. The potential for oral microorganism to gain access to the circulation has been well established by the researchers. What are the consiquences?
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
There have been numerous studies investigating a potential association between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Few microorganisms have been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease and gum lesions are recognized as reservoirs for the systemic spread of the offending pathogens and their toxins. Majority of these studies reported a positive interlink between poor oral health and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
DIABETES
The number of people with diabetes is escalating worldwide. The World Health Organisation predicts that the global prevalence of Type2 diabetes will increase from 135 million in 1995 to 300 million in 2025.
The link between gum disease and diabetes is bidirectional. That means diabetes is a well characterized risk factor for gum disease and patient with significant gum disease has an increased risk of worsening glycaemic control.
RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Aspiration of secretion containing certain microorganisms may lead to aspiration pneumonia. Few studies suggest patients with poor oral hygiene level has an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) while patients with COPD has more gum attachment loss than healthy controls.
PREGNANCY
On a worldwide scale the prevalence of preterm low birth weight baby varies from 6% to 15%.The term applies if the birth weight is less than 2500gm and gestation period is less than 37 completed wks. A strong body of evidence now suggests that maternal infection, remote from foetal placental unit, may be implicated in the pathogenesis of preterm labour and delivery. In recent years maternal gum disease has been suggested as one such infection. American Academy of Period ontology recommends that women considering pregnancy or who are pregnant undergo periodontal examination and receive appropriate preventive and/or therapeutic services if indicated. Oral infection may spread to other parts of body which can even be fatal if not intervened at the early stage. On the other hand different systemic diseases have some bearing on oral and dental health.
Those suffering from diabetes, perkinsons disease, undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, liver diseases etc need special care for their oral and dental health by dentist in Kolkata
Liaison between the dental surgeon and the medical practitioner in order to integrate oral/dental care into the individual’s care plan is very much necessary.
A holistic approach can at least keep those problems in check.
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