What is Systemic diseases

systemic disease is one that affects a number of organs and tissues, or affects the body as a whole. Although most medical conditions will eventually involve multiple organs in advanced stage, diseases where multiple organ involvement is at presentation or in early stage are considered above

Systemic diseases cause oral health

Systemic diseases are more common in older adults than in younger people, even among those who are functionally independent. Dentists should understand how these diseases can affect the dental care of their aging patients. The authors review some of the management issues associated with selected systemic diseases common in older adults who are functionally independent.

Conclusions. To provide good oral health care, dental professionals must understand the special needs of older people and their ability to undergo and respond to care; they should work closely with the rest of the health care team; and they should be prepared to manage emergencies.

Clinical Implications. Many older people have a variety of systemic diseases that have an impact on their oral health care. The dentist may need to consult with the patient’s physician to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

How does Oral Disease Relate to Systemic Disease?

Recently, we find out that a lot of research suggests a relationship between oral disease and systemic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory infections and Alzheimer disease) and other medical conditions. When the gum tissue becomes inflamed causing gingivitis to occur, inflammatory mediators called cytokines that are in the gum tissue can enter your saliva and can also become aspirated into the lungs. Bacteria that are responsible for periodontal disease can also enter the circulatory system around the teeth and travel to other parts of the body. Oral bacteria may cause secondary infections or inflammation of other tissues or organ systems in the body

How poor oral health promotes Systemic Disease?

Oral health always considered as a distinct specialty that is separate from the body as a whole, the health of the oral cavity can have wide-reaching effects on overall health. Poor oral health may occur concomitantly with a more serious underlying disease process or may predispose an individual to other health conditions. This article examines the relationship between poor oral health and increased risk for several systemic diseases, underscoring that the oral cavity and its tissues are an integral part of the human body.

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Dental problems mostly face by older adults then teenager. In fact, people over 65 with natural teeth have more tooth decay than any other age group and thus continue to need a yearly visit to the  dentist.

Older people produce less saliva, needed to clean the teeth. Gums shrink with age, exposing the tooth to decay or infection. Besides, older persons may have difficulty in movement to flossing and brushing the teeth due to  poor vision or problems from their arms, wrists, and hands.

If older adults fail to practice good oral routines, they may experience dental diseases such as gum disease. How do you know if you have signs of dental disease? While it’s important to report pain or discomfort to your dentist, there are other symptoms that may suggest the presence of a dental disease.

a) Constant bad breath

b) Bloody gums

c)Dental Decay

d) Discolored teeth

e) Loss of appetite

f) Dentures that don’t fit properly

g) Dull-looking teeth

h) Swelling in your mouth

Unfortunately, older adults lack a basic understanding of the importance of oral health and it cause dental problems.  As emphasized in the Surgeon General’s report, oral health means more than just healthy teeth. The report highlighted the following lesser known facts about oral health:

- Oral health is integral to one’s general health and well-being;

- Left untreated, oral diseases can infect the bloodstream and lead to severe systemic infections in other

parts    of the body;

- While most common dental diseases are preventable, too often they go untreated, often due to linited access to oral health care;

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