As we age, oral health plays increasing role in overall health
Oral health is a critical component to overall health for all ages, but according to dental and medical experts, vigilance is especially critical for the elderly.
In a review article recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the authors outline the potential complications that can arise from poor oral hygiene in older adults and cite the role of all health care professionals in working to promote good oral hygiene in this population.
"All health care professionals should work to promote good oral hygiene for their older patients," said Dr. Patrick Coll, professor of family medicine and medicine at the UConn School of Medicine and lead author of the review article. They "should consider an oral examination during an annual wellness visit, especially for those patients who are not receiving regular dental care."
The need is evident, say the authors. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that the prevalence of cavities is more than twice as high in older adults than younger adults. The prevalence of periodontitis -- a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth -- also increases with age. As many as 64% of older adults in the U.S. have periodontitis.
Periodontitis is associated with a variety of medical conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Patients with replacement heart valves and prosthetic joints should be particularly careful regarding their oral hygiene, according to the authors.
It is well recognized that manipulation of teeth and their support structures can result in bacteria present in the oral cavity being released into the bloodstream, which may lead to infections in parts of the body far removed from the oral cavity.
Link between obesity and gum disease
Obesity and gum (periodontal) disease are among the most common non-communicable diseases in the United States -- and studies show these chronic conditions may be related. This new study explores the effect of obesity on non-surgical periodontal care and evaluates potential pathways that may illustrate the connection between the two conditions.
The connection between obesity and gum disease isn't as simple as cause-and-effect, said Andres Pinto, professor of oral and maxillofacial medicine and diagnostic sciences at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and co-author of the study published in the British Dental Journal.
Instead, the relationship centers on what both diseases have in common: inflammation.
Examining a plethora of existing studies, researchers found that data showing increased body mass index, waist circumference and percentage of body fat to be associated with an increased risk to develop gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Most studies analyzed data from population subsets at one point in time, as opposed to studying the same population over a longer period.
They concluded that changes in body chemistry affect metabolism, which, in turn causes inflammation -- something present in both maladies.
"Periodontal disease occurs in patients more susceptible to inflammation -- who are also more susceptible to obesity," Pinto said.
This information can inform how health-care professionals plan treatments for patients suffering from obesity and/or gum disease, Pinto said.
"Oral health-care professionals need to be aware of the complexity of obesity to counsel their patients about the importance of an appropriate body weight and maintaining good oral hygiene," he said.
Pinto said further research on the relationship between gum disease and obesity is needed, noting there is, at this point, limited evidence to recommend changes in treatment planning.
"There is a thought, from the clinical perspective, that if you treat one of the issues, it may impact the other," he said. "This is the big question. For example, if we treat obesity successfully, will this impact periodontal disease to the point of being of clinical relevance compared to control population. The jury is still out given the paucity of controlled, well designed, clinical trials on this issue."
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Due to Hurricane Dorian our office will be closed September 4-5, 2019. If you are a patient of record and need immediate help please call 904.762.5616.
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Due to Hurricane Dorian our office will be closed September 4-5, 2019. If you are a patient of record and need immediate help please call 904.762.5616.
For up-to-date infomation regarding the storm please see the links below.
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Our goal when recreating a smile is create the most life-like restorations possible. Crowns or veneers that look “fake” make for poor esthetics and poor outcomes. Emax crowns were placed on teeth #s 7-10 for an absolutely amazing results.
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Emax Crowns #7-10. By C.J. Henley, DMD
Our goal when recreating a smile is create the most life-like restorations possible. Crowns or veneers that look “fake” make for poor esthetics and poor outcomes. Emax crowns were placed on teeth #s 7-10 for an absolutely amazing result.
How can we make you smile? #beauty #Smile #Cosmetic Dentistry
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Every step of ever case matters. Even in simple cases. We strive to make ever case exceptional. Not only beautiful, but made to last for years to come. Crowns on #13 and #14.
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