Uncontrolled diabetes invites gum disease
Healthy teeth and gums are often considered an aesthetic problem. However, oral care habits such as regular brushing and flossing can protect against heart diseases, bacterial pneumonia and even stroke. Acıbadem Ankara Hospital Oral and Dental Health Specialist Dr. Emphasizing that it should not be forgotten that oral health is directly related to the health of the whole body, Eda Özdere says: “It is of great importance to maintain simple and effective habits such as brushing teeth twice a day, using dental floss, regular doctor check-ups, and healthy eating throughout life.”
Saying that there are mostly harmless bacteria in our mouth, Acıbadem Ankara Hospital Oral and Dental Health Specialist Dr. Eda Özdere “Our mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory systems, and some bacteria that enter through the mouth can cause diseases. In individuals without oral hygiene, these bacteria can reach levels that can lead to oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, some drugs used disrupt the flow of saliva, which can negatively affect oral hygiene. Because saliva washes the food that enters our mouth and helps protect from germs by neutralizing the acids produced by the bacteria in the mouth.
Attention those who want to have children!
Noting that an unhealthy mouth structure can lead to vital problems such as stroke and bacterial pneumonia, as well as cardiovascular diseases, Dr. Eda Özdere also warns pregnant women. According to a five-year study conducted at the University of North Carolina in the USA, the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight baby increases 7 times in pregnant women with periodontal disease. Eda Özdere said, “Gingival recession is more frequent and severe in people with diabetes. Studies also reveal that people with gum disease have more difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. In short, regular oral and dental care can facilitate diabetes control. In other words, while uncontrolled diabetes invites gum diseases, these untreated diseases in individuals with diabetes make it difficult to control diabetes.
Heart disease risk triples
Stating that oral bacteria and gingivitis also cause some chronic diseases, Dr. Eda Özdere said: “Infection in the heart, called endocarditis, usually occurs when bacteria or other microbes that enter the body through the mouth reach certain parts of the heart through the blood circulation. Studies show that people with periodontal disease (inflammation that affects the teeth and gums) are three times more likely to develop heart disease.”
5 basic habits to maintain oral health
So, what needs to be done for healthy teeth and gums? Acıbadem Ankara Hospital Oral and Dental Health Specialist Dr. Eda Özdere summarizes the methods that answer this question as follows:
Don’t forget to brush your teeth regularly, twice a day.
– Take care to use dental floss daily to prevent the food that gets between the teeth from causing bad breath, irritation and disease in the gums.
– Visit your dentist regularly to prevent problems or detect them at an early stage.
-Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
-Do not smoke.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
