DENTAL NEWS: One of the most documented yet least known facts about oral health is its connection to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. According to the Web site MayoClinic.com, "Diabetes increases your risk of gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth and a variety of oral infections. Conversely, poor oral health can make your diabetes more difficult to control. Infections may cause your blood sugar to rise and require more insulin to keep it under control."
Too Much Bacteria To Blame
Dr. Stephanie Bangs, a dentist in Fort Worth Texas, explains that the link between oral health and cardiovascular disease can be found in bacteria, the idea being that bacteria from the oral cavity can enter the blood stream via gum tissue and infect areas of the body.
"The American Heart Association recently changed the rules on the need for prophylaxis (antibiotics before dental treatment). The idea is that bacteria from the oral cavity can enter the blood stream via gum tissue and infect areas of the body, like joint replacement sites or valves in the heart," said Dr. Bangs. "The new recommendations for patients that require antibiotics before dental treatment include: patients with artificial heart valves, patients with a history of infective endocarditis, heart problems present from birth, a heart transplant that has problems with a heart valve and patients with total joint replacements such as kneeor hip replacements."
Women The Key To Good Oral Health
While the link between oral health and overall health has long been proven, it is still somewhat unknown to the general public. As far as making more people aware of the relationship between the two, educating women, who traditionally manage the family’s health awareness, could be the key. "Women tend to be more in tune with not just dental health, but overall health," says Dr. Kevin Liu, a doctor at Baylor Family Medicine in Keller, Texas.
Some studies have also shown that periodontal disease is associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease in particular is thought to adversely affect endothelial function (inner lining of the blood vessels), thereby leading to vascular disease."
Talk To Your Dentist More
Dental professionals stress that if if you have concerns about your overall health, don’t just talk to your doctor. Make sure your dentist knows your concerns as well. It’s also a good idea to tell your dentist about your medical history so set proper cautionary steps can be taken should you have any health problems that affect your oral health.
DENTAL VIEWS: Don't kid yourself for a moment; the link between poor oral health and diabetes is real. I recently experienced this first hand when I found out that I have type 2 diabetes only after complaining to my doctor that I was feeling cold all the time (cardiovascular disease?). This, coupled with the fact that it's a struggle to keep my periodontal disease in check, should be enough to convince anyone that taking care of your oral health might lessen your chance of getting diabetes, or at least reducing its severity.
Related Blog Posts
Periodontal Disease Especially Dangerous To Diabetics ( November 4, 2009 )
Oral Health Problems Associated With Diabetes ( March 31, 2008 )
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