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Not only is the risk of heart disease two times higher in people with gum disease, but that bacteria in plaque have also been associated with: |
- inflamed blood vessel walls, which may lead to constricted arteries
- bacterial endocarditis
- lung infections in people with lung disease
- weakened immune system, which may slow down the healing of scars and diminish the preventive effect of hepatitis B and flu shots
- greater risk of premature births and low-weight babies
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Exposure to lead in the environment can lead to serious health problems, especially in areas where used pipes and chipped lead paint are common.
The good news is that dietary calcium helps lower the risk of lead poisoning by decreasing the absorption of lead by the gastrointestinal system.
Where does dental care fit here?
Knowing that lead accumulates in the bones and teeth, scientists have investigated the effects of environmental lead exposure on cavities.
A well-controlled animal study demonstrated that prenatal and perinatal exposure to lead results in a 40% increase in cavities and, conversely, a 30% decrease in parotid gland function. Researches have formulated the hypothesis that lead exposure during salivary gland development could later on in life hinder the exposed animal’s saliva’s protective properties. What’s more, the study introduced a new approach regarding lead toxicity, stating that cavities in young people may be directly related to the mother’s exposure to lead.
Ref: This excerpt was taken from an article written by Hélène Bishop MacDonald, Director, Nutrition, Dairy Farmers of Canada, published in the review of the Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec, l'Explorateur, volume 9, issue 4, January 2000.
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