Oral hygiene is strongly linked to the health of the whole organism
This concept seems difficult to conceive, but there are many years of research that have led to the demonstration of the relationship between oral hygiene and the rest of the organism. An example is the relationship between oral well-being and systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Scientific studies still turn their attention to trying to identify what exactly are the mechanisms underlying a relationship between the two concepts.
Oral hygiene: what is periodontitis and how it manifests itself
Periodontitis, also known as pyorrhea, is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the tooth (gum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone). It is a risk factor for the development of endocarditis and atherosclerotic plaques: in its most serious manifestations, it leads to the loss of the dental element. The origin is multifactorial but among the triggering factors there is always the presence of bacterial plaque, responsible for the superficial infection (gingivitis) which, if neglected, will become periodontitis.
Let’s see some symptoms of periodontal diseases:
- bleeding and gum swelling
- presence of pus in the gums
- mobility of the teeth
- alitosi
Periodontal and Cardiovascular Disease: links and motivations
The relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is much studied and it seems that the reasons for which they are connected are substantially two:
- The inflammatory condition characteristic of periodontitis affects the inflammatory state of blood vessels playing a negative role in the development of endocarditis and myocardial infarction.
- The presence of bacteria responsible for the progression of periodontitis (P. gingivalis) in atheroskeletal plaques has been demonstrated. This means that these microorganisms can reach the bloodstream and attach themselves to the walls of the vessels, favoring the formation of plaques.
Atherosclerosis is a problem that affects the walls of the arteries that lose their elasticity due to the formation of thickenings (plaques). These plaques are in turn made up of lipids (including cholesterol) which are normally present in the blood. Over time, the lipids tend to become bigger and bigger (agglomerating bacteria, including periodontal ones) and cause, in the most serious cases, the necrosis of the arterial tissue. It is therefore very important to control the level of cholesterol in the blood through a healthy lifestyle, movement with a regulated diet integrated with specific products, such as Normolip5 , a specific supplement.
Heart disease and periodontitis. Are connected
The research is also turning from another point of view. If it is true that periodontitis favors heart disease, the heart patient is at greater risk of developing periodontitis The answer seems to be affirmative: heart patients can develop more destructive forms of periodontal disease. This, consequently, leads more quickly to the risk of losing the dental elements.
It is therefore essential to undergo periodic checks at your dental hygienist to assess the presence of bacterial plaque and tartar. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance to avoid the accumulation of plaque and to control the levels of inflammation. As for the checks by dental hygienists or dentists, it is recommended to do it every 3 months.
