April 07, 2011 10:44 AM
Six Signs of a Healthy Mouth Leading To a Healthy Body
Six signs of a healthy mouth. Pic: Wan Khairul Shahara Ahmad GhazaliBy Wan Khairul Shahara Ahmad Ghazali KUALA LUMPUR, 7 April (Bernama) — The was an ancient Chinese saying that goes, ‘The mouth is a window into the health of the body, for all illness comes from the mouth, whereas all troubles comes from speech’. The mouth is, however, filled with countless bacteria that is believed to be closely linked to tooth decay and various periodontal or gum diseases, says the President of the Malaysian Dental Association, Datuk Dr How Kim Chuan. Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth within the mouth. It is cause by bacterial plaque, a sticky colourless to yellowish film that constantly forms on teeth. It is manifested by redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums, formation of periodontal pockets, loosening of the teeth, bad breathe, toothaches and other symptoms. How also warns that periodontitis is usually not accompanied by pain and patients may not even know they have it. Yet the good news, according to How, is that these signs of inflammation are completely reversible when there is adequate treatment, preventive measures, motivation and cooperation from the patient. LINKS WITH SYSTEMIC DISEASES There are many studies that explore the possible links between oral disease and systemic body health, he says. “Researchers have found that periodontitis, the advanced form of periodontal disease, has a high correlation with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and bacterial pneumonia,” noted How. further, studies have indicated that bacteria and inflammation play a significant role in systemic diseases such as diabetes, as these diseases lower the body s resistance to infection, making periodontal diseases more severe. “Thus, people with diabetes often have periodontal disease, while some studies even suggest that periodontitis affects the body s regulatory control of blood sugar,” he explained. HEART ATTACK, STROKE AND PNEUMONIA several studies have also linked chronic inflammation from periodontitis with the development of cardiovascular problems, arterial blockages and stroke. How explained that oral plaque might be linked to plaque formation on the blood vessel s lining arteries, which causes hardening of the arteries and restricts blood flow. this formation of arteriosclerosis is worsened by fat and cholesterol deposits and can occur in any artery, notably in those leading to the heart, which causes heart attacks and brain causing strokes. as for pneumonia, How says that researchers are also discovering that poor dental hygiene can increase a person’s chances of contracting aspiration pneumonia. this type of pneumonia is caused when a person breathes in foreign materials, such as food or fluids, irritating the lungs and leading to abscesses, inflammation and pneumonia. Bacteria in the mouth due to cavities and lack of proper oral hygiene, he says, can also be breathed into the lungs, causing this type of pneumonia, as well. IMPORTANT STEPS FOR PREVENTION “Although diseases of the gums may contribute to these health conditions, it is important to understand that, just because the two conditions occur at the same time, it doesn t necessarily mean that one condition causes the other. “Thus, researchers now are examining what happens when periodontitis is treated in people with these various health problems,” says How. Given the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, medical practitioners are emphasizing prevention as an important step in maintaining overall health. He explained that, healthy gums are characterized by pale colour, firm texture and how they fit around the teeth. “Any deviation from these is a sign of a developing pathological process that, if left untreated, can reach the bones, cause loosening of the teeth and may lead to the loss of teeth,” said How in a his speech at the media launching of the new 6 benefits-in-1 Listerine Total Care mouthwash. In an oral health forum of dental experts last January, entitled ?Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body , dentists reached a full consensus to qualify a healthy mouth based upon six key signs. These signs are no visible plaque, tartar-free teeth, healthy gums and soft tissue, no cavities, fresh breath and healthy, natural teeth. PLAQUE AND TARTAR Prevention of periodontal diseases must start with control of plaque or oral film by mechanical removal methods, he explained. “Plaque and tartar from our mouth needs to be removed due to the fact that they and the toxins in them lead to the development of inflammation that is the basis of all diseases of the periodontal and tooth caries,” says How. Tartar or calculus is a form of hardened plaque caused by the continual accumulation of minerals from saliva on the teeth. It leaves a rough surface that provides an ideal medium for further plaque formation, traps more bacteria and threatens the health of gums. The only way to remove tartar, according to How, is by regular professional cleanings by a dentist. HEALTHY GUMS AND CAVITY-FREE TEETH Healthy gums are usually coral pink. changes in colour, particularly increased redness, swelling and an increased tendency to bleed, suggests an inflammation that is possibly due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque. “Thus, you should see your dentist immediately if you notice that your gums bleed during brushing or flossing, are red, swollen or tender or have pulled away from your teeth,” How advises. Cavity or tooth decay is a disease where bacterial processes progressively break down and damage the hard tooth structure, producing holes in the teeth, also known as dental caries. “Today, caries remain one of the most common diseases throughout the world, and if left untreated will lead to pain, tooth loss, infection and in the most severe cases, death,” says How. He also explains that brushing twice daily using toothpaste with fluoride is considered to be the most effective use of fluoride in controlling dental caries. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY as for bad breath or halitosis, How reveal that, in most cases, it originates in the mouth itself, while the intensity differs during the day due to eating certain foods, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption. “The most common location for mouth-related halitosis is the tongue, where tongue bacteria accounts for 80 to 90 percent of all cases of mouth-related bad breath,” he says. Lastly, How advises that the all people should take responsibility for their own oral hygiene by brushing, rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash, flossing and tongue scraping regularly, along with professional dental check-ups twice a year. These actions are effective in penetrating the bacteria plaque and reaching out to generally inaccessible periodontal pockets. NEW PURPLE LISTERINE Also, it is important to only choose and use suitable dental products which display the Malaysian Dental Association s Seal of Acceptance, which is the symbol of a product s safety and effectiveness. “In the absence of any inflammation, caries or periodontitis, the teeth and gums will be healthy and the breath will naturally be fresh,” he said. meanwhile, Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson Sdn. Bhd., Joyce Lee, said that the latest purple-coloured Listerine s variant represent it s most advanced and complete mouthwash. “It is proven to deliver six superior benefits by combining essential oils to kill up to 99.9 percent of oral bacteria and maintain cleaner and healthier gums and teeth, fluoride for strengthening teeth surfaces, zinc chloride to reduce plaque build-up and keep teeth naturally white,” she said. — BERNAMA
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