ORAL HEALTH

Often people’s oral health who are elderly or in long term care facilities suffers due to many factors such as decreased manual dexterity related to strokes and arthritis, dry mouth from medications,  decreased eye sight and other medical conditions, and the fact that they are unable to get to a dental office.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults.  More importantly, bacteria causing infection in the mouth releases toxins into the bloodstream leading to serious health risks.  Many studies show a link between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.  One study indicates that the risk of fatal heart disease is twice as high for individuals with severe gum disease.  A study of over 800 stroke victims indicated that advanced gum disease can increase the risk of stroke by over 50% in some adults.  Type II diabetics are 3 times more likely to develop gum disease (20 times more likely if they smoke).  Recent studies also confirm that periodontal (gum) disease disrupts gylcemic control.  So for Type II diabetics, not only are they at risk for gum disease, gum disease also aggravates their diabetes. **  

Poor oral hygiene has been shown to contribute to fatal pneumonias in hospital patients and nursing-home residents. In those settings, lax oral hygiene can foster a buildup of bacteria capable of causing respiratory infections. In short, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier you will be overall.  Periodontal disease, and oral infections not only affect overall health, but can cause mouth pain and tooth loss, which makes chewing more difficult for the elderly.  If they can’t chew properly, nutrition suffers, which again affects their health.  

Dental hygiene therapy can be used effectively to treat and control even advanced cases of periodontitis.

**(Source:  National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research and American Heart Association).

ORAL HEALTH  ---  INFORMATION & LINKS
Oral Cancer