Health begins in the mouth

Our teeth are constantly at work: chewing, biting, speaking or smiling – nothing works without them. They are also meant to look good, as white and as complete as possible – then they can contribute a great deal to an attractive appearance. And in fact it should not be so difficult to keep teeth and gums healthy for good, since our teeth normally come into the world healthy. It is only through poor oral hygiene, a wrong diet, stress or smoking that we ourselves throw away the ideal basis for "healthy teeth for a lifetime". And not only that: because caries and periodontitis can also lead to other serious illnesses, we risk our health as well. With early dental prevention, however, it need never come to that

Current studies of oral health in Germany show a clear tendency: more and more adults – and among them an immensely high proportion of older people – suffer from a chronic inflammation of the structures supporting the teeth, periodontitis. Bleeding gums, redness and swelling are the first warning signs. Inflammation threatens, usually triggered by bacterial deposits that settle by preference between the teeth and at the gum line. If this plaque is not removed, the bacteria find their way into deeper layers of the gum and trigger periodontitis there. The body defends itself and produces enzymes that attack the bacteria – but the gum as well. Without treatment, the destruction of connective tissue and jawbone threatens, and ultimately the loss of teeth

It is by now scientifically established that diseases in the mouth can increase the risk of certain general illnesses. There is talk, for instance, of an interaction between periodontitis and diseases of the airways, and of an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Diabetes can be made worse by the consequences of periodontitis. In pregnant women there is a striking connection between disease of the supporting structures and the rate of premature births as well as low birth weight. Conversely, diabetes, a weakened immune system and smoking increase the risk of disease of the teeth and gums

Anyone who values their health has to pay particular attention to teeth and gums. And that is more than "don't forget to brush after eating". Deliberate prevention is an essential part of it