A debate over whether, and if so how, gum disease is linked to heart disease and other ailments is ongoing. As many studies show a direct link between the conditions as show no link between them. My question for anyone debating this issue is: What difference does it make?
If you knew there was absolutely no connection between brushing & flossing and having a heart attack or stroke, would you just allow yourself to get periodontal disease and lose your teeth(or require tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of reconstructive surgery)? All because it is just too much effort to brush twice a day if it won’t actually kill you? Really?
I look at the situation this way: most chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and quite possibly Alzheimer disease are caused by or very closely associated with high levels of systemic inflammation. Gum disease causes inflammation and some of the bacteria associated with gum disease have been found in the plaque lining artery walls. If neglecting your teeth and gums doesn’t cause these other diseases, it certainly does not help, either.
Also, anyone interested in any sort of interpersonal relationships needs to brush their teeth and floss. A thriving bacterial population, rotting food and highly inflamed gums are not a recipe for sweet-smelling breath. Today’s polite society requires regular oral hygiene.
And for optimum health, inflammation levels everywhere in the body need to be kept as low as possible. Periodontal disease and great health do not play nicely with each other. It is also not necessary to use toothpaste or mouthwash that share ingredients with car antifreeze and flame retardants. Gums have a lot of very small blood vessels that can absorb whatever is in your mouth. If you really feel you must use fluoridated products, please be sure to at least not swallow. Fluoride is a very potent poison and many babies are hospitalized each year after swallowing fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash.
It is good that we have great smile. A healthy white teeth and strong gums is the complete package of having a proper oral care. This is very important to consider to maintain the healthy teeth.