This year, DHW is focusing on the mouth and whole-body connection, considering the proven links between diseases in the mouth and diseases in the body. Bacteria in the mouth can travel to different sites of the body, and inflammation in the mouth can ,increase overall inflammation throughout a patient’s body. Six conditions have been explored by this year’s DHW campaign in how they link with the mouth
1.HEART DISEASE The spread of bacteria from the mouth to the bloodstream can potentially cause inflammation and contribute to the development of cardiovascular problems.
2.DIABETES The impact of periodontal disease on insulin resistance and blood sugar control potentially exacerbates diabetic complications. As this year’s resources detail: “severe gum disease is now considered to be the sixth issue with diabetes. It makes controlling diabetes harder and diabetes will make gum disease worse”.
3.ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE The presence of periodontal pathogens can travel to the brain, trigger an inflammatory response, and contribute to neurodegenerative processes.
4.ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES Maternal periodontal infections and inflammation can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in infants.
5.LUNG CONDITIONS The aspiration of oral bacteria into the respiratory tract. potentially causes or exacerbates lung infections and inflammation
6.INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) The dysbiosis of oral microbiota may contribute to gut inflammation and the development or exacerbation of IBD.
The common thread of inflammation/inflammatory response is not lost on the academic community, which is teaching our next generation of dental professionals with this firmly in mind.
‘Yes we’re teaching DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and Bachelor of Oral Health students about a number of different systemic interactions,” says Professor Ivan Darby, head of periodontics at the Melbourne Dental School and editor of the Australian Dental Journal.
“Diabetes is the number one, but pregnancy interactions and outcomes are also in there. Outside of these, we even talk about obesity. There is evidence to suggest that people who are obese tend to have more periodontal disease, and this is probably due to underlying inflammatory mechanisms.
“It’s the same with cardiovascular issues and the same with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, which we talk about with our students; the same with mental health, which I’ll be presenting on at FDI Congress [next month]. They all have an underlying inflammatory component which may be linked.”
The bacterial nature of periodontic disease is also firmly linked to a number of systemic diseases, backed up by published research that mentions a full spectrum of health issues, says Prof. Darby. “Alzheimer’s disease is a very interesting one indeed: there’s been research showing that one of the main bacteria that causes periodontal disease is found in the brain. This bacteria species has also been found in fatty plaques in cardiovascular disease, in amniotic fluid, as well as in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.”
On the other hand, some of the information brought to the fore by this year’s DHW theme is not new at all; instead, it is enjoying a much-needed refresher for both practitioners and patients. “It takes five to 10 years for the research done in academic circles to translate to the student curriculum,” he says, “but actually the initial data or cardiovascular disease was published in the late 1980s or early 1990s So we’ve known about it since then, and the mechanism has really been
elucidated. In this case. it’s really come off the boil recently you can see the number of research papers done on this subject matter has drastically reduced, but it remains something we have to be talking with patients about
Oral Health and Your Overall Well-being: The Connection You Need to Know
Are you aware of the significant link between your oral health and your overall well-being? At Rawson Dentist Epping, we understand the vital role that oral health plays in maintaining a healthy body. Join us as we explore the six chronic conditions closely associated with oral health and why prioritizing your dental care is essential for your overall health.
1.Heart Disease: Did you know that bacteria in your mouth can potentially travel to your bloodstream, causing inflammation that contributes to the development of heart problems? At Rawson Dentist Epping, we emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria that could affect your heart health. Regular check-ups and cleanings at Rawson Dental Epping can help protect your heart and overall well-being.
2.Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes need to pay special attention to their oral health. Periodontal disease can impact insulin resistance and blood sugar control, leading to complications for diabetic patients. At Rawson Dentist Epping, we recognize the close relationship between diabetes and oral health. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you manage your oral health effectively and support your overall well-being. Visit Rawson Dental Epping to see how we can help you maintain a healthy smile while managing your diabetes.
3.Alzheimer’s Disease: Research suggests a connection between periodontal pathogens and Alzheimer’s disease. These harmful bacteria can travel to the brain, triggering inflammation and contributing to neurodegenerative processes. At Rawson Dentist Epping, we prioritize preventive care to help you maintain a healthy mouth and potentially reduce the risk of oral bacteria affecting your brain health. Schedule a visit to Rawson Dental Epping to learn more about the importance of oral health in relation to Alzheimer’s disease.
4.Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Expectant mothers should be aware of the impact of maternal periodontal infections on pregnancy outcomes. Inflammation in the mouth can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, highlighting the importance of maintaining good oral health during pregnancy. Rawson Dentist Epping offers specialized care for expectant mothers to support their oral health needs and promote a healthy pregnancy. Visit Rawson Dental Epping for comprehensive dental services tailored to your unique needs during this important stage of life.
At Rawson Dentist Epping, we are committed to educating our patients about the critical link between oral health and overall well-being. Our experienced team provides personalized care to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for life. Schedule an appointment at Rawson Dental Epping to experience exceptional dental care that prioritizes your health and well-being. See Rawson Dental Epping for comprehensive dental services that support your overall health and vitality. Your journey to optimal oral health starts at Rawson Dental Epping.
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