Review our selection of dental articles and resources
Cardiovascular disease:
http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2012/06/19/3528574.htm
Research has shown that gum disease is linked to heart disease. This is proposed by the fact that organisms which grow in your mouth cause plaque to build-up, can enter the bloodstream when your gum starts bleeding, which happens easily if you have gum disease. Once in the blood stream, these organisms attach to pre-existing fatty deposits in coronary arteries (those that supply blood to the heart). This leads to inflammation, which may cause blood clots that can decrease blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack.
Dementia:
https://fightdementia.org.au/support-and-services/families-and-friends/personal-care/dental-care
Poor dental health can affect a person’s comfort, appearance, eating, nutrition, behaviour and general health. Every person with dementia needs an individualised preventive approach to dental care that should ideally begin as soon as dementia is diagnosed.
Diabetes:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes-and-oral-health
Diabetes is a common disease among Australians, affecting almost 1.5 million people (around 7.6 per cent of the population). The first signs and symptoms of diabetes can occur in the mouth, so paying attention to your oral health can also lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes:
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/arcpoh/dperu/special/pregnancy/pregnancy_DL.pdf
Pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis, (gums bleed while brushing) due to pregnancy hormones affecting the way that gums react to plaque. Gingivitis affects up to 70% of pregnant women.
Arthritis:
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/comorbidities/gum-disease/ra-and-gum-disease.php
New research suggests that tooth loss – a marker for periodontal (gum) disease – may predict rheumatoid arthritis and its severity. One study has found that the more teeth lost, the greater the risk of RA.
Obesity:
http://www.obesityaction.org/wp-content/uploads/obesity-and-dental-health.pdf
Various studies have shown that individuals affected by obesity have more oral health problems than other individuals in general. These patients have higher tooth decay level and more missing teeth.