Women need to be aware that they are at higher risk for periodontal disease and gum disease during puberty, pregnancy, their menstrual cycle each month, and then menopause. We now also know there is a correlation between high hormone levels in the body and inflammation in the gums surrounding the teeth which is affecting individuals with the disorder of fibromyalgia.
When hormone levels are out of whack, women can be more sensitive to a small amount of plaque or bacteria. For example, if you weren’t pregnant, and you forgot to floss for a couple of days, it probably wouldn’t be an issue. But if you’re pregnant and forget to floss, and plaque collects, you can develop swollen, painful growths in your gums that otherwise probably wouldn’t manifest as quickly. Hence, as with many other chronic conditions there is a strong relationship between fibromyalgia and the health and alignment of the oral cavity—as evidenced by clinical observation and research. There are many dental factors in play in this disorder.
One well known fact is the health-depleting effects of mercury amalgam fillings (silver fillings), which can be very toxic for the body— releasing mercury in the form of toxic vapors. This vapor release from mercury occurs every time the teeth make contact with one another (occlusion), when the pH of the saliva is altered, when friction is created on the teeth, or when the temperature inside the mouth is raised. This means that every time we are eating, swallowing (saliva or food), chewing, clenching/grinding, brushing our teeth or even smoking, we are potentially exposed to mercury vapors from our amalgam fillings. When the mercury vapors enter our body, they get deposited in various organs. Once they are stored, they begin generating free-radicals—the accumulations of both have been known contributing factors in disorders like fibromyalgia.
But that is just one culprit. Constant inflammation in the body and pain causes your immune system to be at risk. When your immune system is at risk, periodontal disease exists. It contributes to increased inflammation in the body. Individuals with any form of arthritis, arthritis-related inflammatory disorders, (Fibromyalgia), or autoimmune disorders are at HIGH risk of developing many diseases of the oral cavity including, but not limited to:
· Developing periodontal disease- – more than twice as likely as others
· Developing severe jawbone loss- – moderate to severe
· Extractions- averaged 12 missing teeth in studies
It’s important to keep in mind that many symptoms and markers of disease present in the teeth and mouth. The mouth is often used to diagnose, make a prognosis, treat or intervene on a number of diseases. Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red and swollen–and your teeth should feel solid. If you have problems with your teeth and gums, it’s important to see a dentist, and possibly your health professional. Even if your finances are limited there are reasonable dentist plans. I am not paid by this company, but Argus Dental plan has a Master Plan that is worth looking into. For as little as $9.98 a month you can receive one free office visit a year including x-rays, and two free cleanings. For extra dental work beyond that, there is a discount. There is also the Care Credit card you can apply for to make payments on services when you may not have the funds. Great credit scores are not needed for this card, and they always offer promotional rates so that you can pay off the balance before finance charges kick in.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can save more than just your smile.
When hormone levels are out of whack, women can be more sensitive to a small amount of plaque or bacteria. For example, if you weren’t pregnant, and you forgot to floss for a couple of days, it probably wouldn’t be an issue. But if you’re pregnant and forget to floss, and plaque collects, you can develop swollen, painful growths in your gums that otherwise probably wouldn’t manifest as quickly. Hence, as with many other chronic conditions there is a strong relationship between fibromyalgia and the health and alignment of the oral cavity—as evidenced by clinical observation and research. There are many dental factors in play in this disorder.
One well known fact is the health-depleting effects of mercury amalgam fillings (silver fillings), which can be very toxic for the body— releasing mercury in the form of toxic vapors. This vapor release from mercury occurs every time the teeth make contact with one another (occlusion), when the pH of the saliva is altered, when friction is created on the teeth, or when the temperature inside the mouth is raised. This means that every time we are eating, swallowing (saliva or food), chewing, clenching/grinding, brushing our teeth or even smoking, we are potentially exposed to mercury vapors from our amalgam fillings. When the mercury vapors enter our body, they get deposited in various organs. Once they are stored, they begin generating free-radicals—the accumulations of both have been known contributing factors in disorders like fibromyalgia.
But that is just one culprit. Constant inflammation in the body and pain causes your immune system to be at risk. When your immune system is at risk, periodontal disease exists. It contributes to increased inflammation in the body. Individuals with any form of arthritis, arthritis-related inflammatory disorders, (Fibromyalgia), or autoimmune disorders are at HIGH risk of developing many diseases of the oral cavity including, but not limited to:
· Developing periodontal disease- – more than twice as likely as others
· Developing severe jawbone loss- – moderate to severe
· Extractions- averaged 12 missing teeth in studies
It’s important to keep in mind that many symptoms and markers of disease present in the teeth and mouth. The mouth is often used to diagnose, make a prognosis, treat or intervene on a number of diseases. Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red and swollen–and your teeth should feel solid. If you have problems with your teeth and gums, it’s important to see a dentist, and possibly your health professional. Even if your finances are limited there are reasonable dentist plans. I am not paid by this company, but Argus Dental plan has a Master Plan that is worth looking into. For as little as $9.98 a month you can receive one free office visit a year including x-rays, and two free cleanings. For extra dental work beyond that, there is a discount. There is also the Care Credit card you can apply for to make payments on services when you may not have the funds. Great credit scores are not needed for this card, and they always offer promotional rates so that you can pay off the balance before finance charges kick in.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can save more than just your smile.
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