(NaturalHealth365)  For about a century now, prominent researchers have been attesting to the fact that an alarming number of chronic disease incidents are the result of periodontal disease, dental infections, and other oral health problems.  These researchers have included such esteemed names as Westin Price, DDS, Charles Mayo, MD, and Martin Fischer, MD.

Truth be told, oral infections, particularly periodontitis, can lead to a range of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, bacterial pneumonia, cerebrovascular disease, and osteoporosis.  In addition, poor oral health can lead to unwanted pregnancy outcomes.

Studies on periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease confirm link between oral infections and chronic sickness

Recent research has revealed strong connections between periodontitis and systemic conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, showing how oral infections can reach and affect distant sites such as the colon and reproductive tissues.  DNA sequencing has even found traces of these infections in various organs far from the mouth.  The above-referenced review explores the latest evidence on how periodontitis can be a risk factor for systemic diseases, shedding light on the shared causes and mechanisms behind these health issues.

An older American Academy of Periodontology study found a similar connection and looked at 67 patients, 42 of whom had severe to moderate periodontitis, while 25 of those studied did not.  After a chewing test, those with severe periodontal disease showed four times more harmful and disease-causing bacteria in their blood than those without periodontal disease or with just a moderate case.  The presence of this bloodborne bacteria dramatically increases the chances of cardiovascular disease and other systemic and chronic disease types.

Unfortunately, many oral health problems can be difficult to detect.  Symptoms are often subtle initially, but the bacteria can continue to grow behind the scenes.  However, the evidence is quite clear that early symptoms of systemic diseases manifest in the mouth months or years before disease symptoms fully manifests itself.

Periodontal disease and dental infections are linked to greater cancer risk

Many studies have linked periodontal disease and oral cavity bacteria with several forms of cancer.  This should be no surprise to anyone – especially when you consider the ease with which these infections can spread throughout the body via swallowed saliva and contaminated blood.

A joint study by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) found a direct correlation between the presence of periodontal disease and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer even in people who did not smoke cigarettes – versus those who did.

A study by Tezal et al. found increased precancerous oral lesions and tumors in people with oral health problems, including tooth loss.  Around 15 percent of adults ages 21 to 50 have periodontal disease, and 30 percent of people over age 50 have this oral health issue.

Discover natural ways to eliminate the threat of gum disease

There are many ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy – all the years of your life.  But keep in mind that you don’t need fluoride or any other toxic substances that cause more harm than good.

For example, try brushing with natural toothpaste or baking soda.  Rinse your mouth with a sea salt solution and use essential oils like, clove and peppermint.  Another great idea, to keep your teeth and gums healthy, is to use a Hydro Floss oral irrigator daily.  All of these ideas are designed to keep bacteria in balance and reduce the risks associated with inflammation.

In terms of supplements, take vitamin C daily to help neutralize unwanted bacterial (and viral) overgrowth.  And, of course, avoid consuming processed, sugary foods for obvious reasons (maintaining a diet rich in minerals and antioxidants can always help).

Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to eliminate the threat of mercury-based silver fillings, infected root canal treated teeth, gum disease plus much more, own the Holistic Oral Health Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Amalgam.org
Perioimplantadvisory.com
ScienceDaily.com
Academic.oup.com