Article by Dr. Quinn:
“Dentists often hear the comment, ‘If I had known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of my teeth.’ Even though tooth loss has declined in recent years, still, in the U.S., 26 percent of people 65-69 have lost all of their teeth. Furthermore, 47 percent of the over 65 group have only 20 or fewer teeth remaining.
The value of a healthy mouth goes far beyond a nice smile. The condition of the teeth, gums and bone is a harbinger of the overall health of the individual. There are many ill-health conditions which contribute to poor oral health. Conversely, it is now well documented that poor oral health is a contributing factor to a number of systemic diseases including risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hospital-acquired pneumonia.
As America ages, characteristically we find an increase in medications taken to control certain diseases. Some medications can cause gum inflammation in some people. Also, many medicines cause dry mouth. Less saliva causes concentration of bacteria and food debris which can lead to increased tooth decay and gum disease. Often in older adults there has been some gingival recession, exposing root surfaces. These can be sensitive and more prone to decay than the enamel-covered crown of the tooth, and can be more difficult to restore. Untreated decay is not only unsightly and sensitive, but it can lead to an abscess, i.e. infected pulp (nerve & blood vessels.) Treatment for an abscess is root canal therapy or extraction.
The connection between periodontal disease and heart disease is not well understood. Many researchers believe when infected gum tissue bleeds, bacteria and other oral organisms enter the bloodstream and thereby have access to all body parts. Some areas, i.e. the mitral heart valve, are more susceptible than others, and the bacteria can attach there causing endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease. What makes the gums bleed: Well, cleaning (brushing and flossing) and even chewing, in some instances, is enough to make them bleed.
Healthy gums don’t bleed...
Full Article:
http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2007/11/26/columnists/betty_rhodes/doc474a299db4986200298768.txt
