Oral Systemic Link

Have you heard the saying, "Your mouth is the window to your body's immune response"? In dental terminology, this is referred to as the Oral Systemic Link. In other words, your mouth doesn't have to speak to let the doctor know when something is wrong. When examining Periodontal tissue, the body's inflammatory response can be easily identified; swollen and bleeding gums are a sign the body's immune response is switched over to defense. Light bleeding or swelling can be caused by stress, or a minor cold, when your body's immune system is on overdrive. When bacteria lingers, the mouth becomes imbalanced, and your periodontal cells send out the message that there is an immune system attack, and if not properly cared for, periodontal tissue becomes a popular spot for chronic inflammation. Regular assessments of periodontal tissue by a hygeniest is the surest way to determine whether your body is in a chronic inflammatory state. This early stage is commonly refferred to as gingivitus, and later serious cases are called Periodontitus, or Periodontal disease. Ecodentistry.org estimates as much as 80% of the population suffers from Periodontal disease. Without proper care, our body's own immune system actually destroys the affected periodontal tissue and bones that hold your teeth in place. So when your mouth is trying to signal that somethings up, be the voice that isn't heard, and schedule an appointment with your hygenist.