Leading UK Dentist Highlights The Dangers Of Neglecting Oral Health
If the eyes are the window to the soul, the mouth is the window to the body, according to leading UK dentist, Dr Peter Galgut, who is urging the public to take good care of their teeth and gums.
Dr Galgut said that the mouth can give doctors and dentists important information about the rest of the body and often, problems in the mouth signify that all is not right in the body.
The latest national dental health survey showed that a staggering proportion of 83 per cent of people in the UK have signs of gum disease, which indicates that people could be doing more to boost their oral health.
Gum disease causes the gums to become sore and swollen and eventually, it can contribute to them becoming loose and falling out; however, there are other complications, which can be extremely serious.
Numerous research studies have suggested a connection between gum disease and heart disease, as the harmful bacteria in the mouth increases the risk of atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty deposits gather in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a risk factor for strokes and heart disease. Gum disease has also been shown to increase the risk of complications during childbirth in pregnant women.
People who have diabetes are also more likely to develop gum disease and if the body is unable to control diabetes and there is an oral infection present, the immune system may not be able to cope with both issues. Other studies have also linked gum disease to rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction and bowel cancer.
In order to combat gum disease and ensure the immune system is healthy, Dr Galgut recommends good oral hygiene, regular dental and health checks and a good diet.
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