S.O.S.! Oral Disease and Systemic Diseases are Linked!
Dec 18, 2008
Mounting clinical evidence indicates a relationship between oral bacteria and life-threatening diseases such as oral cancer, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and premature, low birth weight babies.
The American Dental Hygienists Association warns that nearly 75% of American adults suffer from various forms of periodontal (gum) disease and don’t know it.
Early detection of oral bacteria through vital periodontal and oral cancer examinations by a Florida Registered Dental Hygienist during periodic oral hygiene appointments can help control the onset of periodontal disease, and, in turn, prevent many of the health-threatening and life-threatening diseases that typically accompany it.
Oral Cancer
Each year, almost 9,000 people die from oral cancer, which is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, Hodgkin’s disease and cancers of the brain, liver, thyroid gland, stomach, ovaries and cervix. If not detected early enough, oral cancer can spread to other parts of the body. It is critical that oral cancer be prevented or treated aggressively.
Heart Disease
Affecting more than 58 million Americans, heart disease is the number one killer among both men and women, and claims more victims than all forms of cancer and AIDS combined. While research shows a link between heart disease and bacteria associated with periodontal disease, it is important to treat periodontal disease in order to reduce its potential impact on heart disease.
Diabetes
Approximately 16 million people in the United States are unknowingly diabetic, a statistic that is expected to lead to approximately 169,000 Diabetes-related deaths this year. Ninety-five percent of diabetics typically have periodontal disease due to increased susceptibility to infections.
Respiratory Conditions
Respiratory conditions can be aggravated when bacteria from periodontal disease travel from the mouth to the lungs and lower respiratory system. Patients with periodontal disease, in addition to other diseases are at increased risk of developing breathing problems.
HIV and Miscellaneous Health Risks
Signs and symptoms of HIV, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and even osteoporosis often appear in the mouth first and can be detected during a routine oral health exam.
Early Detection of Oral Bacteria Saves Lives!
Early detection by a dental hygienist can lead to control of periodontal disease, and in turn, prevent many of the health-threatening and life-threatening diseases associated with it.
Florida Registered Dental Hygienists provide vital periodontal and oral cancer examinations during periodic oral hygiene appointments.
The exam findings should be discussed with an oral health care professional.
For more information go to www.fdha.org or contact Trevor Mask at (850) 345-8169.