Health teeth and gums are very important to note. Of the focal infection theory that a lot of attention during the 19th century and early 20th century. This theory states that the infection in the oral cavity responsible for the initiation and progression of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, and appendicitis.
Teeth and Gum
Progress in classification and identification of bacteria germs of the oral cavity and immunology, the more convinced of the important role of dental infections to systemic diseases such as heart disease and blood vessel, lung disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, etc.. Also became increasingly clear that the teeth and oral cavity can be a place of origin for the dissemination of microorganisms that cause disease to other body parts.
Epidemiological studies suggest that infection of the oral cavity, particularly inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and tooth supporting tissues is a risk factor for systemic diseases.
The number of bacteria in the oral cavity can reach hundreds of millions. Xiajing Li et al (2000) recorded more than 1011 bacteria per milligram of dental plaque. Plaque is a kind of mucus which is always attached to the tooth surface. Not all bacteria harmful oral cavity. Most of it is needed as the normal flora of the mouth. The bacteria causing the disease potential of teeth, and many were found in the systemic disease group anaerobic gram-negative bacteria. Among others, P. Gingivalis, B. Intermedius, and A. Actinomycetemcommitans.
Dissemination through Blood
Oral bacteria can be spread through the bloodstream, called bactericidal. Which can spread the bacteria itself and the resulting toxins (endotoxin / exotoxin)?
Several studies of bactericidal are worth listening to. Bactericidal was observed in 100% of patients after tooth extraction, 70% after cleaning my teeth now, at 55% after surgery tooth wisdom tooth, 20% after treatment tooth roots, and 55% after tonsillectomy.
The study involved 735 children who undergo dental decay, found 9% of children had bactericidal. Other studies have shown the spread of bacteria after treatment of teeth roots. And, less than 1 minute after the procedure the oral cavity, bacteria from an infected tooth has reached the heart, lung, and peripheral blood capillary system.
In normal oral health conditions, only a small number of facultative bacteria and no harm came into the bloodstream. However, the poor oral hygiene conditions, the number of bacteria on tooth surfaces increased 2-10 folds. So the possibility of bactericidal is also greater. Except through bactericidal, a series of immunological reactions that are triggered by infection of the mouth, is another explanation why the problems of the teeth can spread to serious illnesses.
Teeth and gums really do not stick closely, but there is a gap of about 2 mm is called sac gums (gingival sulcus). This area is most susceptible bacterial infection and inflammation, causing periodontal disease. The signs: gums red, swollen, bleed easily, perhaps with shakiness teeth.
Grossi and Genco (17 of 199 suggests that systemic diseases directly related to periodontal disease, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke. Several retrospective studies show, patients of heart disease, stroke, DM, mouth hygiene is generally worse than normal patients. From above description can be concluded, that the teeth and mouth can be a trigger and exacerbate systemic diseases.
Maintaining healthy teeth and mouth is very important not only to prevent oral disease, but also to maintain good general health.