Diseases of the Heart
Many studies have established the fact that patients with gum diseases
are at higher risk of recurrence of stroke. It has also been found that
often patients with congenital heart defects of the valve or those who
had valvular replacements of the heart require a relatively high dose of
antibiotics before dental treatment to prevent occurrence of a heart
disease known as infective endocarditis (infection of the inner layers
of the heart). This is because bacteria from dental plaque can get into
the blood stream via injuries or wounds in the mouth. Then, it can get
lodged onto these vulnerable, defective heart valves and cause
infection. It is important to be clear about the disease process as
infective endocarditis can occur when there is no dental treatment. That
is because when a person’s oral hygiene is poor, bacteria can enter the
blood stream through any open wound or sore in the mouth.
Diabetes
Diabetics have poor immune response to infection. If their blood glucose
level is not well controlled, they are more likely to have gum diseases
and develop gum abscesses (gum boils). These swelling of the gums can be
painful. The presence of the gum disease may affect your body’s ability
to process and use insulin. This may cause diabetes to be more difficult
to control, which in turn results in the gum disease becoming more
severe than in a non-diabetic. In other words, a clean, healthy mouth
makes it easier to keep the diabetes under control.
Pregnancy
It is of utmost importance that pregnant women visit the dentist for
regular dental check-ups as there are several oral diseases that
pregnant women are prone to suffer from. In severe cases it may even
affect the foetus. These oral diseases include pregnancy gingivitis, and
pregnancy epulides, which are swellings of the gum. Researchers have
also found that there is a correlation between increasing severity of
gum disease and pre-term low birth weight (PLBW) babies. Gum disease is
an infection of the gums. As explained in the previous paragraph, it can
lead to high levels of bacterial toxins in the blood stream. This can
stimulate premature labour.
So, general illnesses of the body could begin in the mouth! And, lack of
oral hygiene can make general illnesses worse. It is a two-way
relationship.
Do visit your dentist to find out more about the connection between your
general health and oral hygiene.
For more information on the above article, contact Dr Terence Jee at
weisina@yahoo.com.sg
This article is contributed by the Singapore Dental Health Foundation,
an organisation of volunteers who work to educate the public on dental
health.
The focus of this year’s Oral Health Campaign is the prevention of gum
diseases. The Adult Oral Health Survey 2003 revealed that 30% of the
public aged 20 years and above were not aware of gum diseases. And close
to 85% of those surveyed had some form of gum disease. If left
untreated, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. The main cause
of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which results in build up of plaque
around the gums.
As part of the Oral Health Campaign in August 2007, Colgate, Singapore
Dental Health Foundation, Singapore Dental Association and the Health
Promotion Board will run roadshows in three shopping mall locations.
This is an opportunity not to be missed as there will be FREE dental
check-ups, dental consultations and FREE Colgate toothpaste samples.
Oral Health Month 2007 Roadshows 10.30 am - 8.30 pm
3 - 5 August Causeway Point, Woodlands
17 -19 August HDB Hub, Toa Payoh
24 - 26 August Bukit Panjang Plaza, Bukit Panjang
