Oral hygiene is crucial in preventing periodontitis (gum disease), but it can also be instrumental in an individual’s overall health, according to a study published on StudyFinds.
The study reveals that over the years, there has been a connection between gum disease and other health conditions such as blood pressure, heart complications, and mental health issues. Therefore, it is essential to regularly visit a dentist to assess your gums’ health and learn how to prevent periodontitis.
Gum disease is among the factors that increase the risk of heart disease
Findings indicate that gum disease is among the factors that can increase heart disease risk. The connection is more substantial in cases of severe periodontitis.
Karolinska Institute’s Dr. Giulia Ferrannini, the study author, said that regular dental screening and education on oral hygiene could help prevent heart events. In addition, Giulia noted that individuals with gum disease are highly likely to transfer germs to the bloodstream. As a result, this could expedite harmful changes in blood vessels leading to systemic inflammation.
Also, poor dental hygiene could lead to mental health issues, according to the study. University of Birmingham researchers say that periodontitis can increase the risk of anxiety and depression over time. Besides mental health issues, the researchers established that poor dental hygiene could lead to heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and other metabolic conditions like diabetes.
Poor dental hygiene related to mental health issues
The study looked at the medical history of 64,000 individuals with gum disease history. Besides periodontitis, individuals with gingivitis were part of the study. Study findings indicate that individuals with periodontal disease had a 37% increased risk of having mental health issues in three years, with authors noting a correlation with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.
According to study findings, individuals with gum disease are likely to have gut issues. University of Michigan researchers indicate that poor dental hygiene could worsen someone’s inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, there is growing evidence that individuals with IBD have a lot of foreign microbes in the gut, which starts within the mouth.
