Oral Health Connection

Is your oral health at risk? Is your general health jeopardized by an oral infection?

Our Hamilton Dental Office Can Help!

Your Oral Infection RISK increases if you:

  • Have not seen your dentist or hygienist recently (most adults need 3-4 visits per year),
  • Have a history of gum disease (periodontitis or gingivitis),
  • Kiss or share utensils with someone who has an infection (transmissible)
  • Are a smoker; Have poor nutrition; Experience high stress,
  • Have a weakened immune system and/or take certain medications (immunosuppressants or certain steroids),
  • Have any health conditions or a family history of health conditions known to be linked to Oral Infection (Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes, Pregnancy, etc) see Your Mouth, Your Body.

WHAT IS ORAL INFECTION?

The healthy oral “ecosystem” has billions of ”good” and “bad” microorganisms living in balance.
A change in the balance can lead to the “bad bugs” overgrowing. Once they overwhelm the oral immune system’s ability to keep them in check, you have an infection. This leads to Periodontal [gum] disease, and Bad Breath (halitosis). They can enter the bloodstream contributing to serious systemic health issues. Fungus, like Candida allbicans, can cause denture stomatitis and Human papilloma virus oral cancers. The bacteria also cause decay.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Gum Disease destroys the gum and the bone around your teeth. It is caused by bacteria (and their toxins) that grow in the plaque (biofilm) on your teeth and roots. They thrive in pockets created by the destructive process.

This disease affects up to 80% of the population to some degree and is by far the most common cause of tooth loss today. Periodontal Disease is also risk to your general health!

BAD BREATH (Halitosis)

Bad Breath is almost always the result of Oral Infection (with or without periodontal infection). Certain bacterial overgrowth cause the release of Volatile Sulfur Compounds that have offensive odours. These are the same class of chemicals that skunks have.

Bacteria that cause bad breath can also cause Periodontal Disease. Bad breath is a sign of a possible general health risk!

Why this matters? It’s THE ORAL SYSTEMIC DISEASE LINK

A continuing stream of additional connections or links between Oral Infection and general health are still emerging. The mechanisms are not fully understood. These include lung and respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s, obesity, kidney disease and certain cancers to name a few.
For more information on oral systemic disease connections go to:

www.webmed.com
www.medlineplus.org
medlineplus.org