Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body - Part 2
Why crooked teeth can cause forgetfulness
Sufferers of caries or periodontal disease run a higher risk of developing dementia. Scientists at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, inform us that Alzheimer patients commonly have unhealthier or fewer teeth than healthy people. It is notable that unhealthy teeth are not always caused by a lack of oral hygiene: Nutrient deficiency during childhood or chronic illnesses can greatly accelerate tooth decay. Bad teeth can even heighten the risk of performance deficits and brain damage, which in turn can lead to dementia. Experts are recommending that chronically ill patients should visit their dentist twice as often as healthy people.
Why oral hygiene starts before birth A Japanese research group claims that, even before birth, a child’s oral hygiene is of utmost importance. Pregnant woman suffering from inflammation of the gum or even periodontal disease emit antibodies called cytokines to fight the bacteria within their body. These protein-based antibodies reach the placenta through the woman’s bloodstream where they can have possible effects on the unborn life such as delayed growth rate or earlier onset of labour resulting in premature birth with low birth weights. Scientists therefore appeal to all women to visit their dentist regularly during pregnancy.
Why crooked teeth can cause strokes Prof. Dr. Rolf Hinz, dentist, orthodontist and university lecturer in Herne, Germany, has established that crooked teeth change the position of the tongue, possibly resulting in snoring and thereby a change in the breathing rhythm. This can have a serious effect on the quality of the important deep sleep phase of our nightly rest. Severe snoring can cause shortness of breath (sleep apnoea) which in turn increases the risk of cerebral infarct – a silent stroke which is often unnoticed but during which a number of brain cells die off. The brain continues to function albeit with decreased performance and fewer reserves. However, the risk of suffering a “normal” stroke also increased by up to 35 per cent.
How our gums warn us of diabetes Ryan Demmer, associate research scientist at the Columbia University Medical Center warns that ten per cent of all people suffering from inflamed gums will develop diabetes and gum (periodontal) disease will even accelerate the onset of diabetes. The reason? Bacteria from the inflammation located in the gums enter the bloodstream and reduce the insulin-arranged glucose uptake of the skeletal muscles. They can also aggravate an existing insulin resistance. Medical practitioners therefore recommend undergoing a sugar test when gums are inflamed for any length of time.
Why our gums rule over our heart Periodontitis can cause heart attacks. Scientists at the Bethesda Heart Institute in Maryland, USA, have discovered a connection between periodontal disease and narrowing of the coronary arteries. Such constrictions of the inner artery walls by a coating known as plaque are recognised warning signals of an impending heart attack. Scientists caution: Periodontitis bacteria are even more damaging to the heart than smoking or high cholesterol. Medical practitioners advise: By visiting your dentist every six months and flossing daily you can reduce your periodontitis risk by 70 per cent.
How our teeth can terrorise our back The DGZMK [German Association for Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Orthodontics] in Düsseldorf claims that even minor malpositioning of the jaw can lead to muscle tenseness in our entire body. This is because our jaw muscles are connected to our spine. Even a small unevenness such as badly polished fillings or a millimetre’s movement of one tooth is sufficient to cause undue pressure on the spine and – in time – back pain.
Part 3
Why oral hygiene starts before birth A Japanese research group claims that, even before birth, a child’s oral hygiene is of utmost importance. Pregnant woman suffering from inflammation of the gum or even periodontal disease emit antibodies called cytokines to fight the bacteria within their body. These protein-based antibodies reach the placenta through the woman’s bloodstream where they can have possible effects on the unborn life such as delayed growth rate or earlier onset of labour resulting in premature birth with low birth weights. Scientists therefore appeal to all women to visit their dentist regularly during pregnancy.
Why crooked teeth can cause strokes Prof. Dr. Rolf Hinz, dentist, orthodontist and university lecturer in Herne, Germany, has established that crooked teeth change the position of the tongue, possibly resulting in snoring and thereby a change in the breathing rhythm. This can have a serious effect on the quality of the important deep sleep phase of our nightly rest. Severe snoring can cause shortness of breath (sleep apnoea) which in turn increases the risk of cerebral infarct – a silent stroke which is often unnoticed but during which a number of brain cells die off. The brain continues to function albeit with decreased performance and fewer reserves. However, the risk of suffering a “normal” stroke also increased by up to 35 per cent.
How our gums warn us of diabetes Ryan Demmer, associate research scientist at the Columbia University Medical Center warns that ten per cent of all people suffering from inflamed gums will develop diabetes and gum (periodontal) disease will even accelerate the onset of diabetes. The reason? Bacteria from the inflammation located in the gums enter the bloodstream and reduce the insulin-arranged glucose uptake of the skeletal muscles. They can also aggravate an existing insulin resistance. Medical practitioners therefore recommend undergoing a sugar test when gums are inflamed for any length of time.
Why our gums rule over our heart Periodontitis can cause heart attacks. Scientists at the Bethesda Heart Institute in Maryland, USA, have discovered a connection between periodontal disease and narrowing of the coronary arteries. Such constrictions of the inner artery walls by a coating known as plaque are recognised warning signals of an impending heart attack. Scientists caution: Periodontitis bacteria are even more damaging to the heart than smoking or high cholesterol. Medical practitioners advise: By visiting your dentist every six months and flossing daily you can reduce your periodontitis risk by 70 per cent.
How our teeth can terrorise our back The DGZMK [German Association for Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Orthodontics] in Düsseldorf claims that even minor malpositioning of the jaw can lead to muscle tenseness in our entire body. This is because our jaw muscles are connected to our spine. Even a small unevenness such as badly polished fillings or a millimetre’s movement of one tooth is sufficient to cause undue pressure on the spine and – in time – back pain.
Part 3
Other News
| News Item | Date |
| HSE Cuts Cause Hardship To Dental Patients | 16/07/2010 |
| Special needs, special care | 6/07/2010 |
| Soft drinks can harm teeth | 24/05/2010 |
| Medical Card Holders to suffer more Extractions | 24/03/2010 |
| Irish Dental Fees Increase | 24/02/2010 |
| Dental tourism survey results | 24/02/2010 |
| Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body - Part 3 | 21/12/2009 |
| Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body - Part 2 | 24/11/2009 |
| Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body - Part 1 | 24/10/2009 |