Now add Altzheimer’s Disease, Diabetes, and Colon Cancer to the connection between Periodontal (gum) Disease and many other systemic diseases.
It is well documented that the same bacteria that harbor in the gums are directly related to heart disease, strokes, lung disease, kidney failure, and premature underweight births. We have been aware of systemic relationships for a long time and have been warning our patients of the necessity to have healthy gingivae (gums).
1. Alzheimer’s disease
A report from The Journal of Neuroinflammation, August 2011, which is well documented: “Alzheimer’s disease – a neurospirochetosis.” http://www.jneuroinflammation.com/content/pdf/1742-2094-8-90.pdf
“The frequency of spirochetes is significantly higher in the brains of
Alzheimer patients compared to controls. The statistical analysis is
based on the cumulative data of the literature entered in the table
The association is statistically significant in the four groups analyzed:
in the group where all types of spirochetes were detected using
neutral techniques (All spirochetes), in the group of oral periodontal
pathogen spirochetes (Oral spirochetes), in the group where Borrelia
burgdorferi was detected alone (B. burgdorferi) and in the group
where all studies were considered.”
2. Diabetes
A recent study conducted by scientists from New York University found that oral blood samples drawn from pockets of periodontal inflammation can be used to measure hemoglobin A1c, a marker for diabetes.
“In light of these findings, the dental visit could be a useful opportunity to conduct an initial diabetes screening – an important first step in identifying those patients who need further testing to determine their diabetes status,” said the study’s principal investigator, Shiela Strauss, M.D.
Strauss added that there is an urgent need for more opportunities where people can get screened for diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 8 percent of the population has the disease, and 79 million people are pre-diabetic, meaning that if they continue with their current lifestyle habits then they will most likely develop the condition.
In a recent study, researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute in America found unusually high amounts of the bacteria associated with periodontal disease in nine colorectal tumor samples.
Good advice. I had my teeth cleaned a few weeks ago.
You should “clean” them every day- at least once a day, and get a professional dental exam and prophylaxis periodically, accoring to your dentist’s or hygienist’s recommendations.
Please read this: http://wp.me/p1OXM3-2T
~UC
This article reinforces the fact that proper homecare and regular dental visits are not an option. With modern technology and preventative measures it may be possible to avoid life threatening diseases.
Melanie Miranda RDH, BS
Hi Melanie~ Thanx for your reinforcement of priortizing prevention and early detection and treatment of periodontal disease.
Thank you for this invaluable reinforcement of serious health concern!!
Hi Cyndee~
We have to do what we can to get the public to understand the seriousness, that we know so well, of the diseases.
Thanx for doing all you do.