Allow us to wax poetic for a moment: if the eyes are the window to the soul, then perhaps the mouth should be considered the window to your health—at least according to current medical research!
Scientists and doctors now know that having clean teeth and gums is not just about improving your physical appearance. Taking good care of your oral health can actually help reduce your risk of serious chronic health conditions, including autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Bad bacteria in an unclean mouth can reach the bloodstream and joints, triggering the inflammatory response associated with painful rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine recently concluded that advanced gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, “results in damage to the oral mucosa that releases … oral bacteria into the circulation, which activate the inflammatory [molecular compounds] seen in inflamed RA synovium and blood RA patients."
In other words: gum disease damages the oral tissue. This allows the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, these oral bacteria trigger an immune response and can end up in the joint tissues of people with RA. To be a little more specific, here's a quick rundown of what's likely going on in the mouths of people with gum disease, as described by the study's co-authors: Inflammation of teeth, facial bones and gums it encourages the immune system to "decorate" the bacteria in the mouth with a molecular tag. These labeled bacteria can then break through the damaged lining of the mouth and enter the bloodstream. Sensing foreign invaders, the body's immune system then creates antibodies against these tagged bacteria; the antibodies will bind to or trap the bacteria, forming molecular globules called “immune complexes” These immune complexes can continue to travel through the body and deposit in various tissues – including the joints and joint lining (synovium). Researchers note that the impact of oral bacteria entering the blood (and the immune system triggering an inflammatory response as a result) can worsen with repeated exposure and contribute to an increased autoimmune response and worsening of RA symptoms such as joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Amazing, isn't it?
To think that brushing, flossing, oil pulling, avoiding processed foods, visiting a qualified biological dentist, breathing through your nose, and following other basic oral hygiene techniques could actually support joint health! As some readers may know, this new data confirms other research that has already been done on the link between oral health, gum disease and autoimmune conditions. In 2015, for example, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center collected data from 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 40 healthy control subjects. They found that a staggering 70% RA patients had gum disease, and 30% RA patients had severe gum disease. This is significantly different from the healthy normal group, where only 35% had gum disease and only 5% had severe gum disease. "Severe gum disease may be present in the early stages of RA," the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center writes on its website, adding that dentists, as well as rheumatology specialists, are key providers for people with autoimmune conditions.
More than the mouth: Poor oral health is also linked to other health conditions
1.Cardiovascular disease (which includes things like hardening of the arteries and stroke)
2. Endocarditis or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart pneumonia
3.Complications of pregnancy and childbirth, including preterm birth and low birth weight
Large studies have also shown a link between tooth decay and poor oral health with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Bottom line: It's NEVER too early to establish excellent oral hygiene habits … and the benefits are widespread. To learn more about oral health, consult with an expert, and if you want to have more beautiful gums, we recommend our toothpaste, more about it HERE.
Original:
Science.org
studyfinds.org
healthcentral.com
Mayoclinic.org
Hopkinsarthritis.org
NIH.gov
