MOUTH TO MOUTH SPREAD GERMS

 

As DNA studies have improved so has our understanding of the disease processes that affect the oral structures. Some of the pathogens that cause the most severe gums diseases can be passed from one family member to another through direct or indirect means; directly by kissing or indirectly by sharing utensils. The kind act of a mother cooling soup to feed to her infant child, or tasting the food before she feeds her child could transfer the pathogens that lead to advanced disease. The patient dental care and oral hygiene program of a family general dentistry practice influences how well the germs take root in the space between tooth and gum.

Left-over food between the teeth and gum plus the warmth of the mouth allows pathogens to thrive and the immune response the body sets up along with the by-products produced and excreted leads to a breakdown of bone and supporting tissues. Loose teeth, bad breath, exposed root of the teeth, and eventually tooth loss results. Loss of teeth and loss of bone leads to shrunken facial structure which gives some people a more aged than normal look. The inability to properly masticate food affects our ability to maximize our nutrition.

Currently family dentists know that bacteria from gum disease and infection from rotten teeth can get into a patients bloodstream and cause heart problems. Chronic gum infection in a pregnant woman can lead to premature birth of a child. The initial stages of diabetes have been detected in my office because gums disease can be exacerbated by gum disease. A young child in Washington DC lost his life when the abscess from his tooth precipitated a brain abscess and led to his untimely death. Death from a rotten tooth is a horrible way to go. See Lack of dental care is expensive.

Visit one of the family dentists in your area for proper instruction on how to care for your teeth.  Good oral care will prevent not only dental problems, but the spread of germs and infection.

Call us at 336-841-0000.