Australasian Dentist Magazine Sept-Oct 2021

Category Australasian Dentist 101 “Periodontitis pathogens are found in tumour tissue.” Daniela Weiler, Leading Physician at Department of Oncology, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne “Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating habits lead to gingivitis due to pathogenic germs gaining control and producing inflammatory cytokines. Studies show a possible association between periodontitis and various systemic diseases such as arteriosclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. “Chronic inflammation of the gums is likely to lead to systemic chronic inflammation. Periodontitis pathogens, such as Prevotella gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum , produce more inflammatory cytokines, which migrate through saliva and blood to other organs, and then cause chronic inflammation. “In the blood vessels, for example, this chronic inflammation produces atherosclerotic plaques, in which the above-mentioned oral germs have been found. “Diabetes is based on a two-way mechanism: on the one hand, diabetes increases the risk of periodontitis, on the other hand, periodontitis worsens blood glucose control. “Individual periodontitis agents have also been found in tumour tissue: for example Fusobacterium nucleatum in colon cancer, Treponema denticola in pancreatic tumours and Porphyromonas gingivalis in oral cavity tumours. “Conversely, a healthy mouth and healthy oral flora converts nitrate from plant foods to nitrite, which contributes to lowering blood pressure.” “Dental calculus could be a sign of a risk of heart attack.” Steven Lin, Dentist, author of the book Dental Diet “Dental calculus or tartar on your teeth can be one of the easiest ways to spot signs that you are at risk of a heart attack. That is something I was never taught in dental school. But it’s a powerful lesson on how your dental health and your diet are a measure of your entire body’s health. “Dental tartar builds up when the pH shifts, which is related to the amount of calcium in the saliva. When there’s too much calcium, the pH rises, and plaque becomes calcified. “Like your arteries, saliva also has matrix-Gla protein. If you don’t have enough vitamin K2 in your diet, then calcium builds up in your saliva. As the body becomes less and less able to manage calcium, it builds up in places it shouldn’t – like the prostate, kidneys and heart–so it’s likely that your teeth could present the first sign that you are at risk of a heart attack.” clinical The Easy and Most Effective Way to Floss! ™ Visit www.waterpik.com.au for more information or email professionalau@waterpik.com * Dependent upon location of practice. Sessions via face to face or Zoom. Lunch on us!* Book your free lunch and learn NOW and find out how Waterpik can benefit your practice and patients. professionalau@waterpik.com BOOK NOW! “Bacteria from the mouth get into the bloodstream and sets off an immune response.” Steven Freeman, Owner of dental practice Elite Smiles in St. Augustine, Florida, USA “The mouth is the perfect environment for colonies of bacteria to thrive – itis moist, warm and usually has lots of nutrients for the bacteria to feed on. “When bacteria grow out of control, they can cause both periodontal disease and tooth decay(cavities). As these conditions worsen, bacteria can move from the mouth into the rest of the body. “Bacteria from the mouth get into the bloodstream by way of diseased gums, or places where teeth are damaged or missing. “This sets off an immune response in the body, and C-reactive protein, or CRP, is released from the liver. CRP is a substance that is released whenever there is some sort of inflammation. “In the short term, it is a natural and appropriate response and doesn’t do any harm, but if CRP is being released constantly (possibly due to bacteria in the mouth causing inflammation), then it can set off a chain reaction that eventually leads to other health conditions. “Sustained high levels of CRP in the bloodstream have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack. Doctors checkC-reactive protein levels to assess your risk of heart attack or stroke. The higher the level of CRP, the higher the risk you have. When CRP stays in your system for a long period of time, it contributes to the stiffening and clotting of the arteries. “Pregnant women with a heightened immune response can actually activate their baby’s immune system. While in utero, the immune system isn’t meant to be used because it hasn’t fully developed. This can be damaging for the child and has been connected to the development of cerebral palsy. Bacteria in the mouth can also lead to preterm birth, which can cause other complications for a newborn.” u