If you're over
30, chances are you've got gum disease. A new study published in the August 30,
2012 issue of the Journal of Dental Research apparently confirms the
gloomy news: based on data from a nationally representative sample, 47 percent
of the U.S. population has gum disease. The investigation reported that about 9
percent of Americans have mild gum disease, 30 percent have moderate disease and
8.5 percent have severe disease. Gum disease isn't just a sign of poor dental
health; it can also be an indicator of cardiovascular
disease. (Although the American Heart Association states that no conclusive
data demonstrates that gum disease actually causes or increases the risk of
heart disease and stroke). In addition, new research published in the August
2012 edition of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society shows an
association between how often you brush your teeth and the risk of dementia in old
age. The investigators followed nearly 5,500 seniors for 18 years and found that
those who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day were up to 65
percent more likely to develop dementia than those who brushed daily. The lead
investigator suggested that the bacteria that cause gum disease may affect the
central nervous system and cause inflammation and damage leading to dementia. My
take? These are interesting findings, but at this point we can only say that
researchers have found an association between oral hygiene and dementia, not a
cause and effect. Dental health is one of the keys to good health, but it is
clearly far from the only key. Low-grade, persistent infections in the oral
cavity and elsewhere can burden the immune system and weaken overall health.
Teeth and gums are not separate from the rest of the body, and dentistry should
not be so separate from general medicine. Taking care of your teeth and gums is
vital. Be sure to brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly so that
any problems can be detected and corrected. by Dr. Andrew Weil
www.ohanamobilehygiene.com Ohana Dental Hygiene Practice 714-638-8709
Mobile Dental Hygiene Care for the Elderly, Disabled, & Homebound
