Preventive Dentistry #1: Effects on the Whole Body

Doctor's Insight.

In this episode, we're going to focus on "teeth."

We'll bring you the latest information on periodontal disease, or gum disease, one of the most common dental diseases that we should be paying attention to.

Regular dental checkups are essential for preventive dental care.

Gum disease is called a "silent disease" because you typically don't experience any noticeable symptoms.

Because there is no pain, your teeth could suddenly fall out one day, if left untreated.

Gum disease is caused by an infection and it is recognized as a big problem worldwide.

The root cause of this disease is bacteria that is found in our mouth.

Did you know that gum disease is an infection?

This is one type of bacteria that causes gum disease.

And it does not simply cause teeth and gum to decay.

It is now known that bacteria that cause gum disease can also affect the entire body, causing or aggravating various diseases, some of which are even life-threatening.

Today, we will find out how bacteria in our mouth can affect the entire body.

Today's expert is assistant professor Adachi Naoko from Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

Professor Adachi is a dental hygienist and also conducts research on preventive dental care.

Dr. Adachi, I'm very excited to learn more about dental care.

Thank you so much for joining us today.

Thank you for having me.

In Japan, people are becoming increasingly more aware about the importance of preventive dental care.

I would guess that dental hygienists play an active role.

Yes. In today's dentistry, we focus more on prevention than treatment.

Dental hygienists are experts in preventive procedures.

That's why they are in demand not only in dental clinics, but also in nursing care facilities, public health centers and many other places.

I see. What exactly are we preventing?

We can reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

We can also reduce the risk of diseases in other parts of the body such as lifestyle diseases.

Gum disease begins when "plaque" accumulates in the mouth due to poor brushing habits.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria forming on the tooth's surface, that's hard to remove.

When this condition continues, the plaque calcifies and hardens into tartar.

Moreover, bacteria that get into the gap between the tooth and gum produce substances that cause inflammation.

This leads to gum swelling and the bones that support the teeth to break down.

It is believed that some of the bacteria that cause gum disease are transmitted from external sources.

For example, the risk of infection increases when people share dishes or kiss.

Infections, however, are not a major problem with proper care.

Daily dental care.

It's also important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and have maintenance cleanings.

I see.

So gum disease is not just about losing teeth.

That's right.

Recent studies have shown that gum disease effects various parts of the body.

That's why we all need to be careful.

Which parts of the body does gum disease effect? Let's find out.

Stroke, aspiration pneumonia, heart attack.

It is said that gum disease may be a contributing factor in these life-threatening diseases.

And there's more.

It has also been linked to arteriosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases and even premature birth.

Now, how is gum disease connected to these diseases?

Gum disease develops when bacteria contained in plaque, gets into the gums.

Bacteria that cause gum disease and inflammatory substances are found in swollen gums.

They get into the bloodstream and travel throughout the entire body.

Gum disease bacteria and inflammatory substances can enter the bloodstream and cause problems in the organs they reach.

Some reach the bronchial tubes and lungs, causing inflammation and resulting in aspiration pneumonia.

This is how gum disease is linked to other diseases throughout the body.

Now, we have a cardboard cutout of a human to help us learn more about gum disease and its effects on the entire body.

Dr. Adachi, we shouldn't underestimate gum disease, right?

No, we shouldn't.

The more severe the gum disease, the greater risk you have of other diseases.

Furthermore, people with diabetes are more prone to develop gum disease, and people with gum disease are more prone to develop diabetes and for it to worsen.

I didn't know this correlation. Why does this negative cycle occur?

Diabetes is known to impair your immunity.

Immunity is the ability of white blood cells and other cells to attack bacteria and other harmful organisms that enter the body.

However, in a state of high blood sugar level, the function of white blood cells is weakened, making the body more susceptible to various infections.

This also reduces the resistance to bacteria hidden in plaque, which makes gum disease more likely to occur.

It is also thought that high blood sugar level may be related to the deterioration of various tissue that make up the teeth as well as poor circulation around the teeth.

I see.

Now can you explain how gum disease can affect diabetes?

It is thought that toxins from gum disease bacteria spread throughout the body via the bloodstream and this decreases insulin function, causing blood sugar level to rise.

That sounds serious.

I now understand that gum disease comes with various risks.

Yes.

Gum disease and tooth decay, the 2 most common dental diseases, share many of the same risk factors with non-communicable diseases,

such as those caused by poor diet or smoking.

Taking care of your oral health is effective in decreasing the risk of other diseases that have common risk factors.

Now, let's go over the negative effects gum disease could have on the rest of the body.

Some life-threatening diseases are stroke, aspiration pneumonia, heart attack and arteriosclerosis.

Another example is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease which can interfere with your daily life.

There is also an increased risk of premature birth for pregnant women.

Furthermore, diabetes and gum disease are known to affect one another.

Early detection and treatment of gum disease can lead to good overall health.

Now, how can we check to see if we have gum disease?

For instance, you could suspect gum disease if you have any of the following symptoms.

Red, swollen gums.

Bad breath.

Bleeding while brushing.

Tooth feels out of place.

Loose tooth.

So bad breath is also linked to gum disease.

Gum disease causes bad breath because of gases called hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan.

During the process of breaking down proteins contained in food particles, bacteria that cause gum disease produce these gases and cause bad breath.

So it's really important to recognize these signs at an early stage.

That's right.

With gum disease, your gum pockets deepen without any symptoms, the bone supporting your teeth breaks down, and eventually your teeth fall out.

That's why the most effective thing you can do is, again, to have your teeth checked routinely.

Right. I would like to keep as many of my own teeth as possible.

Before we wrap up for today, do you have a message for our viewers?

Yes. Of course early detection and early treatment are important, but it is key to prevent gum disease from developing in the first place.

So make sure to go see your dentist or dental hygienist for regular checkups.

I'm very motivated right now.

Dr. Adachi, thank you so much for being on our show today.

It was a pleasure. Thank you for having me.