Correlation between oral health and general health

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Correlation between oral health and general health
Posted by: drkam on: August 11, 2009

Oral health is integral to general health, and quality of life, psychologically by influencing how they grow, enjoy life, look, speak,chew, taste food and socialize, as well as affecting their feelings of social well-being. Manifestations, which are often the first signs of the disease professionals may be the first to discover them and recommend further medical assessment. Furthermore, certain systemic conditions can have direct negative effects on the oral cavity. Oral diseases share common risk factors with the four leading chronic diseases – cardiovascular diseases,cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes — including unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol use. Poor oral hygiene is also a risk factor.

Additionally, periodontal disease has been identified as a risk factor for such conditions as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis, perhaps through a pathway of increased systemic inflammation.
uncontrolled diabetes

uncontrolled diabetes

Diabetes especially has oral health implications, and can lead to changes in the oral cavity. Poor glycemic control in diabetics is associated with gingivitis and more severe periodontal diseases.

Oral signs and symptoms of diabetes can also include a neurosensory disorder known as burning mouth syndrome, taste disorders, abnormal wound healing, and fungal infections. Individuals with diabetes may notice a fruity (acetone) breath or frequent dry mouth, which can also lead to a marked increase in dental decay.

Patients with chronic respiratory diseases who use inhalers also have higher risk for oral fungal infections and
chronic respiratory diseases

chronic respiratory diseases
dry mouth.Systemic diseases, and the medications used to treat them, often cause adverse oral side effects, such as reduced salivary flow, altered senses of taste and smell, jaw and facial pain, overgrowth of the gums, bone loss and mobility of teeth.Also, numerous medications cause dry mouth, which leads to an increased risk for cavities.
Diabetes can weaken the body’s resistance to infections, and high blood glucose levels in saliva can help bacteria to thrive. Therefore,uncontrolled diabetes and uncontrolled gum disease enhance one another. Diabetics have about twice the risk for periodontal disease as healthy patients, and almost one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease.Inflammatory periodontal disease can also be a predictor of death from ischemic heart disease and heart attacks in patients with diabetes.

How for Maintaining Good Oral Health
Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste.
Take care of your teeth and gums.
Visit a dental provider regularly.
Eat wisely – avoid snacks with sugars and starches and limit the number of snacks eaten throughout the day. Also, eat the recommended five-a-day helping of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
Individuals with diabetes should work to maintain control of their blood sugar; this will help prevent the complications of diabetes, including an increased risk of gum disease.
Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol.