Dentist named non-obvious causes of gastrointestinal problems

Brushing your teeth is necessary to fight tooth decay and to breathe fresh. However, do not forget that the cleanliness of the oral cavity is based on the health of the digestive system and the body as a whole. Olga Kharlamova, founder of STOMTECH PRO and director of Stomtek Dental Clinic, told Izvestia on December 11 about how improper oral care can cause serious damage to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which will subsequently affect overall health.

"The results of a recent study have clearly demonstrated how poor oral care can affect the occurrence of new diseases in humans. Scientists have found that people with diagnosed periodontitis (a severe inflammatory disease of the parotid tissues) have a significantly increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis due to the penetration of oral pathobionts (potentially pathogenic microorganisms) originating from inflammation in the oral cavity," she noted.

The mechanism of how inflammation can spread to the intestines is quite simple: first, a focus of infection appears in the mouth: with periodontitis, so—called periodontal pockets form between the tooth and gum - ulcers filled with pathogenic bacteria. These bacteria and their waste products do not stay in one place. They enter saliva, and with it into the esophagus, stomach and intestines.

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This is how systemic inflammation occurs in the body: bacteria from the oral cavity can disrupt the balance of intestinal microflora and provoke an immune response. In addition, the inflammation itself in periodontitis maintains a constant inflammatory background in the body. This weakens the entire body and makes it more vulnerable to other diseases.

When bacteria spread, it is the intestinal tract that is most at risk. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can manifest as severe abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, blood in the stool, and bloating in the abdomen. These diseases are often accompanied by anemia, an iron deficiency caused by chronic inflammation. This also affects a person's general condition: they may feel constant weakness and loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss.

In addition, systemic inflammation can worsen the course of arthritis. For example, there will be swelling of the knee, elbow and other joints, pain in the lower back. There may be skin problems, such as acne, or redness in different places on the body. In addition, there is a proven link between periodontitis and an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Thus, sore gums are not a local problem, but an alarm signal for the whole body.

"However, the study showed that frequent brushing of teeth (three or more times a day) was associated with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal inflammation and the development of diseases. The main rule of oral care is proper regular brushing of teeth. It should take at least two to three minutes twice a day, and ideally after each main meal," the doctor reminded.

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At the same time, you should not forget about the interdental spaces: the toothbrush does not clean the entire surface of the teeth. For complete cleansing, you should use dental floss or an irrigator to remove plaque and food debris from the interdental spaces — this is where gum inflammation most often begins. The occurrence of such alarming symptoms as bleeding gums when brushing, bad breath, redness and swelling of the gums may be grounds for visiting a doctor. Particular attention should be paid to dental care for those who wear braces: they can make cleaning more difficult and contribute to the appearance of plaque.

It is also necessary to visit the dentist regularly for professional oral hygiene, such as removing tartar and plaque. It is the dental calculi that become the place where microorganisms multiply and release toxins. In addition, the doctor may notice the problem at an early stage and prevent the spread of bacteria in advance.

"The health of our body begins with a small thing — a daily two-minute dental cleaning procedure. Oral care is not only about aesthetics and fresh breath, but also about investing in the health of the entire body, including the digestive tract. Proper dental and gum care can be the simplest measure that will protect you from serious and painful intestinal problems in the future," Kharlamova concluded.

Anastasia Kardakova, a periodontist, dentist and expert at REVIXAN, told Izvestia on November 18 about the health-threatening symptoms in her mouth. According to her, a thin plaque on the tongue in the morning is a variant of the norm: it appears due to dryness or leftover food. However, if the plaque is dense, cheesy, accompanied by a burning sensation and an unpleasant odor, this may indicate a fungal infection (oral candidiasis).

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.