The systemic connection between oral health, body and mind

One of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease; better known as gum disease (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2723958/). The main cause of gum disease is tied to prolonged accumulated dental plaque, consisting of bacteria colonies due to poor oral hygiene which is detrimental to health. Periodontal Disease is closely related with systemic disorders beyond the mouth such as Cardiovascular disease, Low weight birth infancy during pregnancy, Diabetes, Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease (https://www.perio.org/consumer/alzheimers-and-periodontal-disease) and even severe COVID-19 cases (https://www.chron.com/science/article/Bleeding-swollen-gums-linked-to-severe-COVID-19-15481618.php?cmpid=hpctp#item-85307-tbla-1). As we have learned over the last few months, severe COVID-19 cases have underlying health issues such as hypertension (53 %), obesity (42 %) and diabetes (32 %) and hypertension, according to a study of 5,700 patients in New York City. And the systemic links of gum disease to diabetes and respiratory ailment have been proven; patients with gum disease are more likely to experience severe complications if they contract COVID-19 according to Journal of California Dental Association. Research has also shown that an astonishing number of people in America and all across the world suffer from oral infection at any given point in time. In fact, as many as 50 % of adults suffer from this chronic condition, known as advanced periodontal disease, according to statistics (Eke PI, Dye B, Wei L, Thornton-Evans G, Genco R. 2012). The main immediate signs and symptoms of Periodontal Disease are red and bleeding gums, known as Gingivitis, which over time can lead to gum recession, loss of underlying bone structure and tooth loss, known as severe Periodontitis (https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html). The detrimental affects of Periodontal Disease have severe implications not only on oral health but the overall body and mind (https://www.calperio.org/public-resources/gum-disease/mouth-body-connection/). This can be explained by the fact that the bacteria that enters the oral cavity and stays as a result of poor oral hygiene within a short amount of time transforms into plaque that gradually breaks down the gum-tissue surrounding the teeth and can enter the bloodstream where it gets carried out to the rest of the body and affects vital organs such as the lungs, heart and brain-function (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2620633/). This same bacteria can lead to chronic low level inflammation in the mouth and to the lifestyle diseases previously addressed and mentioned above, as well as cancer (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917197/). 

Ultimately, The brain barrier, the fatty tissue that supports and protects the brain, is especially vulnerable and susceptible to the damage that bacteria and virus have on the brain (L. Smitz Parr, 2017). 

Therefore, following the optimal oral home care program is an essential and critical part of combating gum disease and to achieve and maintain quality well being and oral health throughout life, especially in the uncertain times of the day, with a global pandemic ravaging. The doctor's recommendation is to brush your teeth multiple times a day, preferably after every meal. And then remember to visit your dentist regularly. If there happens to be a delay with the professional teeth cleaning visit in these unprecedented times, there's a solution in the brand new at home sonic dental plaque remover called OQ Pik from Oral IQ which can help you remove plaque safely and efficiently to improve oral health, once and for all.  

Get ready to clean your teeth like a pro and smile like a champ. Fall in love with your smile today.  

-Oral IQ. 

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2723958/

https://www.perio.org/node/264

https://www.perio.org/consumer/AAP_EFP_Pregnancy

https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-diabetes.htm

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/large-study-links-gum-disease-dementia#:~:text=The%20mouth%20is%20home%20to,related%20dementias%2C%20especially%20vascular%20dementia

https://www.perio.org/consumer/alzheimers-and-periodontal-disease

https://www.chron.com/science/article/Bleeding-swollen-gums-linked-to-severe-COVID-19-15481618.php?cmpid=hpctp#item-85307-tbla-1

Eke PI, Dye B, Wei L, Thornton-Evans G, Genco R. 2012

https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html

https://www.calperio.org/public-resources/gum-disease/mouth-body-connection/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2620633/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917197/

L. Smitz Parr, 2017