Mouth Health Matters (More Than You Think)!
It has long been suspected that there is a link between gum disease and several major illnesses and conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Now there is a study that demonstrates an association. The study shows that people who seek treatment for gum disease and have type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease (like stroke), as well as pregnant women, have dramatically lower medical costs and hospitalizations than these same groups not treated for gum disease.Â
This study is reported in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.(1) This is a statistical study that does not establish causality, but scientists have several good theories. One theory is that the inflammation of gum disease aggravates these medical conditions.(2) The second theory, applying to heart patients, is that the bacteria from gum disease spreads in the bloodstream and accumulates in already damaged blood vessels. "Several species of bacteria that cause gum disease have been found in the cholesterol-laden plaque that clogs arteries in people with heart disease."(3)
The medical observations and now statistical evidence should alert heart, stroke, and diabetes patients, as well as pregnant woman, to attend to gum disease. These patients should seek treatment with their dentists, an increasing number of whom are recommending DioxiCare products for gingivitis and periodontitis. If your dental professionals are not already using DioxiRinse Mouthwash or DioxiBrite Toothpaste in their practice, please ask them to inquire about it.
(1) Link to actual study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379714001536
(2) See the Harvard Health Blog for more discussion of this study, including discussion of inflammation in the bodyÂ
(3) See the Harvard Health Letter for discussion of possible links between gum disease and cardiovascular health
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/treating-gum-disease-save-your-smile-help-your-heart
