“It is time for us not to think of our mouths as somehow disconnected from the rest of our bodies. The same blood flows through them, the same nerves go to them. To have a healthy body, you need a healthy mouth.”   

PERIODONTAL MEDICINE: “The various means by which Oral (Dental and Gum) infections may influence a variety of systemic conditions or cause systemic diseases is collectively referred to as PERIODONTAL MEDICINE.” 

SOURCES OF DENTAL INFECTIONS

1) CARIOUS TOOTH    

2) BLEEDING GUMS    

3) PUS IN GUMS

4) WISDOM TOOTH INFECTIONS

5) BROKEN TEETH

The effect of GUM Infections on HEART:

• GUM infection may affect the onset or progression of atherosclerosis and Heart Disease through certain mechanisms. (American Heart Association and American Dental Association)

•  The diseases share many risk factors and have distinct similarities in basic pathogenic mechanisms like – 

1) Smoking 

2) Stress

3) Refined Diet

4) Lack of Exercise and 

5) Long standing Infections

GUM DISEASE and Diabetes Mellitus – Enjoy a two way relationship      

•  American Diabetes Association has officially recognized that GUM disease is common in patients with diabetes.

•  Does the presence or severity of GUM disease affect the metabolic state in diabetic patients? YES!

•  Does the GUM treatment aimed at reducing the bacterial challenge and minimizing inflammation have a measurable effect on reducing sugar level in diabetics? YES

PERIODONTAL DISEASE-RISK FACTOR for Preterm low birth weight

•  Studies indicate a strong correlation between the association of GUM disease and Preterm low birth weight (pregnancy related problems) (American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 2005)

GOLDEN RULES FOR HEALTHY MOUTH AND HEALTHY BODY: 

1) Brush your teeth twice a day.

2) Use Interdental Floss, Mouthwashes and Tongue cleaners to get rid of all oral bacteria.

3) Swish and Rinse after every meal (Specifically sticky and refined foods)

4) Visit a dentist every 6 months for regular check up.

5) Do not ignore Oral problems like Decayed teeth, Bleeding Gums, Pus accumulation in gums and around wisdom teeth. (Any problem can be an ALARM for some systemic problem in body).

6) Dental and oral problems can best be treated and prevented when diagnosed at initial stages.

7) Finally a good oral health is prerequisite for a good general health.