What your mouth says about your health
Did you know that more than 120 conditions can be identified through your mouth?
In a recent article published in Fedhealth’s member magazine, Fedhealthy, Professor Robin Seymour, a leading periodontist from the University of Newcastle, says that good oral health is a reflection of good general health.
Studies have shown that oral bacteria may be a contributing factor in a host of conditions including heart disease, strokes, diabetes, dementia and cancer. “Brushing your teeth reduces the incidence of plaque retention, tooth decay and periodontal disease, all of which pose risks not only to your oral health but your general wellbeing, too,” says Peter Jordan, principal officer of Fedhealth.
According to Seymour, the mouth is frequently the site of manifestations of several conditions, the most common of which are infections resulting from HIV, skin conditions such as lichen planuse, and diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract, reports Seymour. Recent research suggests that those with periodontal disease are also two times more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those not afflicted by this condition.
“There can be no doubt that caring for your teeth can do much to reduce this risk,” explains Johannesburg dentist and Oral-B expert Dr J Hoosen. Oral bacteria is believed to circulate through the bloodstream, causing damage to the inside lining of blood vessels, increasing the risk of clots developing, which in turn can lead to a heart attack.