INFLAMMATION . . aka . . DRAGON BREATHHave you ever experienced inflammation ? More than likely, you have. Statistically, periodontitis (gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 22% to 40% of the population with varying degrees of severity (Ref: Dept of Health and Human Services, Healthy People 2010). To understand inflammation, it is imperative to look at the diseases that it causes, like arthritis, asthma, allergies, diabetes and heart disease. According to Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D, author of "Inflammation Nation", one in three American adults suffer from arthritis, 64 million people have heart disease in some form, 50 million Americans suffer with allergies, 20 million have asthma, and more than 18 million people have diabetes.
The wild fires of Inflammation are devastating and are increasing. Research on the Oral/Systemic link has suggested that periodontal (gum) disease may be considered as a "focal" infection. This means that an infection can start in one place and reside in another (ex: step on a rusty nail and your jaw locks up). The infection that is caused by bacterial toxins in the oral cavity are transported via the bloodstream throughout our bodies, many times residing in our vital organs.
There are some simple steps that can be taken to reduce this fire-breathing dragon. The "Big 3" has been with us for decades and still remain true . . Diet, Exercise and Rest. A vital addition is to incorporate a daily regimen of good oral health practices. When it comes to Oral Care, I've created my own "Big 3" . . . Floss, Brush and Irrigate !
Best to You, Steve
I recently read an article in "Dimensions of Dental Hygiene", that stated that the "inside world" of the body is protected from the outside environment by some form of epithelium (membranous tissue, skin). But our teeth and gums are an exception to the rule. The mouth has been described as the "portal to the body", as sickness and disease find their way in. Bacterial activity is a constant development in the mouth; failure to balance and keep the oral cavity clean will result in infection . . accompanied by inflammation. If left unattended, this infection is transported throughout the body.
ReplyDeleteMy personal observation is that I as an individual can do something about this . . by establishing a daily regimen of oral hygiene practices. It's the floss, brush, irrigate approach, that will assist us. I would like to add that it is truly up to the individual to keep their mouth clean and healthy.
My daily regimen starts each morning with brushing and irrigating (with my favorite Hydro Floss), during the day (at work) and after lunch I will use the Flix Interdental Picks and rinse with water, removing food debris. Before bed I will floss, brush and irrigate . . this allows restoration within the mouth, all night, as you sleep.
I've seen a tremendous benefit to my oral health by incorporating this plan . . .no inflammation !
To Your Oral Health, Martin
The beginning signs of inflammation may not be readily seen . . here are some additional underline symptoms: tenderness of the gums, sensitive areas of the tooth (primarily where tooth and gum meet), light bleeding of the gums (most noticeable after brushing).
ReplyDeleteAlways monitor the teeth and gum area where you most "chew", which is usually the molars in the side-to-back quadrants of the mouth (commonly overlooked).
Keep Smiling, Martin