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Four Top Reasons You Should Never Brush Off Your Oral Hygiene

February 21, 2017 7:38 pm Published by

inflammation

1.     Heart Disease: Symptoms of restricted blood flow, added stress, or lack of oxygenation caused by heart disease also affect the health of your gums and teeth.

2.     Diabetes: The connection between Diabetes and Gum Disease is well documented. People with diabetes generally have compromised immune systems, making them susceptible to infection. Consequently, they are more likely to have periodontal (gum) disease than those without diabetes.

3.     Pancreatic Cancer: A new study found that periodontal disease is a potential early marker for pancreatic cancer, a disease that often escapes early diagnosis and causes 40,000 US deaths annually.

4.     Rheumatoid Arthritis: The latest connection making headlines is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and gum disease. A number of studies have been conducted and still doctors are not sure if Rheumatoid Arthritis leads to periodontal disease or visa versa.

But what they do know is that both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis share a common bond.

Inflammation! That may explain the connection.

Inflammation is a protective immune system response to foreign bodies. But with autoimmune disease like RA, the immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation even when there are no viruses or bacteria.

What is the best way to control inflammation?

Mindful brushing and a strong focus on oral hygiene can reduce the incidence and severity of RA. Researchers at Case Western found that when people with severe RA treated their gum disease, their pain and other arthritis symptoms improved.

Part of the problem is Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause a loss of dexterity which can lead to issues with brushing and flossing. These adaptive techniques recommended by the American Dental Association specifically for patients with RA may be an important step in reducing periodontal disease:

·        Get a grip and add a tennis ball or bicycle grip to the handle

·        Toss your Floss and try a new one like floss picks or threaders

·        Pump up your toothpaste and try using a squeeze bottle

·        Be smoke-free by avoiding every form of smoking

These new studies have one thing in common.

They reaffirm my belief your mouth is the gateway to your body and bodily diseases wreak havoc with your gums.

The takeaway message?

Your relationship with your mouth cannot be a casual affair. Oral hygiene needs to be a focused, deliberate and mindful activity which you perform religiously twice a day.

It’s no longer about just keeping your teeth forever. It’s about longevity.

And longevity is a goal you don’t want to “brush off.” True?

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This post was written by David G. Genet, DMD




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