Healthy Mouth

F O R T H E D E N TA L PAT I E N T . . .
Healthy mouth, WHAT YOU CAN DO
Given the potential link between periodontitis and
healthy body systemic health problems, prevention may be an

important step in maintaining overall health.
Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Clean
he mouth is a window into the health between your teeth with floss or another type of
T of the body. It can show signs of nutri-

tional deficiencies or general infection.
For example, systemic diseases—those
that affect the entire body, such as dia-
betes, AIDS and Sjögren’s syndrome—may first
become apparent because of mouth lesions or
other oral problems.
interdental cleaner once a day. Your dentist may
recommend using an antimicrobial mouthrinse as
part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Choose dental products with the American
Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, an impor-
tant symbol of a dental product’s safety and
effectiveness.
The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks, which may
some linked to tooth decay and periodontal (gum) reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and peri-
disease. Researchers have found that periodon- odontal disease.
titis (the advanced form of periodontal disease Schedule regular dental checkups. Professional
that can cause tooth loss) is linked with other cleanings are the only way to remove calculus
health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, (tartar), which traps plaque bacteria along the
stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Likewise, preg- gum line.
nant women with periodontitis may be at If you notice any of these signs, see your dentist:
increased risk of delivering preterm and/or dgums that bleed during brushing and flossing;
low-birth-weight infants. dred, swollen or tender gums;
dgums that have pulled away from your teeth;
EXPLORING POSSIBLE LINKS dpersistent bad breath;
More studies are needed, but some researchers dpus between your teeth and gums;
suspect that bacteria and inflammation linked to dloose or separating teeth;
periodontitis play a role in some systemic diseases da change in the way your teeth fit together when
or conditions. Likewise, diseases such as diabetes, you bite;
blood cell disorders, HIV infections and AIDS can da change in the fit of partial dentures.
lower the body’s resistance to infection, making Tell your dentist about changes in your overall
periodontal diseases more severe. health, particularly any recent illnesses or chronic
Several studies link chronic inflammation from conditions. Provide an updated health history,
periodontitis with the development of cardiovas- including medication use—both prescription and
cular problems. Some evidence suggests that oral over-the-counter products. If you use tobacco, talk to
bacteria may be linked to heart disease, arterial your dentist about options for quitting.
blockages and stroke. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming
People with diabetes often have periodontal pregnant, pay particular attention to your teeth and
disease. In addition, there is evidence that people gums. That’s because pregnancy—and the changing
with diabetes are more likely to develop and have hormone levels that occur with it—can exaggerate
more severe periodontitis than those without dia- some dental problems. Taking good care of your oral
betes. Some studies suggest that periodontitis can health is important for you and your infant. ■
make it more difficult for people with diabetes to Prepared by the ADA Division of Communications, in cooperation with
control their blood sugar. The Journal of the American Dental Association and the ADA Council on
Scientific Affairs. Unlike other portions of JADA, this page may be clipped
Although periodontitis may contribute to these and copied as a handout for patients, without first obtaining reprint per-
health conditions, it’s important to understand mission from the ADA Publishing Division. Any other use, copying or dis-
tribution, whether in printed or electronic form, is strictly prohibited
that just because two conditions occur at the same without prior written consent of the ADA Publishing Division.
time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one condi-
“For the Dental Patient” provides general information on dental treat-
tion causes the other. That’s why researchers are ments to dental patients. It is designed to prompt discussion between den-
examining what happens when periodontitis is tist and patient about treatment options and does not substitute for the
dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual patient’s needs
treated in people with these various health and desires.
problems.
JADA, Vol. 137 http://jada.ada.org April 2006 563

Copyright ©2005 American Dental Association. All rights reserved.

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F O R T H E D E N TA L PAT I E N T . . .

Healthy mouth, WHAT YOU CAN DO

Given the potential link between periodontitis and

healthy body systemic health problems, prevention may be an

T of the body. It can show signs of nutri-

JADA, Vol. 137 http://jada.ada.org April 2006 563

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