Not visible to the naked eye bacterial biofilm accumulating on teeth is not only the cause of tooth decay or gingivitis. A growing body of research shows that chronic inflammation in the mouth can initiate or exacerbate a number of systemic diseases. Below, we explain how a lack of regular hygiene - including professional treatments such as Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) - increases the risk of serious diseases, and why preventive dental care should be an integral part of looking after the health of the whole body.
1 The 'gateway' mechanism - How do oral bacteria affect the body?
- Periodontal inflammation opens the epithelial barrier, allowing bacteria and their toxins to enter the bloodstream.
- Immune system responds with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6), which can damage tissues in distant organs.
- Microvascular endothelial damage promote the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques, disrupting circulation and increasing the risk of blood clots.
In practice, chronic periodontitis - a consequence of unremoved biofilm - creates a "bridge" between the oral cavity and the many diseases to which the whole body is exposed.
2. Diseases most commonly associated with poor oral hygiene
| Disease area | How does a lack of hygiene increase the risk? |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke) | Endotoxins from periodontal bacteria damage the vascular endothelium, accelerating the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots. |
| Type 2 diabetes | Gingival inflammation raises levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which exacerbates insulin resistance; worse glycaemia in turn exacerbates parodontosis - a vicious circle. |
| Lung diseases (COPD, pneumonia) | Aspiration of biofilm from the nasopharynx into the lower respiratory tract increases pathogen colonisation. |
| Liver diseases | Bacteraemia and inflammatory mediators from the periodontium exacerbate liver fibrosis and steatosis. |
| Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease) | Bacterial proteins (e.g. Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipains) have been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients; microemboli impair cerebral blood flow. |
| Tumours (cancer of the mouth, pancreas, breast) | Chronic inflammation increases oxidative stress and DNA mutations, promoting neoplastic transformation. |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Periodontal bacterial enzymes catalyse protein citrullination, leading to the production of ACPA antibodies and the development of RA. |
| Osteoporosis | Impaired calcium absorption due to chronic inflammation can accelerate the loss of bone mass in the jaws and long bones. |
| Preterm birth | Bacterial toxins and cytokines can penetrate the placenta, causing uterine contractions and rupture of the fetal membranes. |
| Infertility and impotence | Periodontal inflammation compromises endothelial vascular function, reducing blood flow to the genital tract. |
| Depression | Chronic pain and inflammation increase cortisol levels, worsening mood and sleep quality. |
3. why professional hygienization (GBT) is the key at Unident Union®?
- Comprehensive biofilm removal - AirFlow® erythritol powder reaches under the gums and into hard-to-reach areas, reducing the bacteria associated with parodontitis.
- Minimal invasiveness - no micro-scratches on the enamel and delicate tissues protected from trauma, allowing for more frequent, safe repeat treatments.
- Control of inflammation - The elimination of pathogenic bacterial colonies lowers the systemic marker CRP and serum cytokine levels.
- Patient education - each stage of GBT at the Unident Union clinic includes home hygiene instruction, reducing the formation of new biofilm between visits.
4. The Unident Union® Clinic recomments the preventive plan for the whole year.
- Four full GBT sessions per year - every 3 months or more frequently for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- Periodontal control - measurement of pockets, assessment of bleeding and tooth mobility.
- Annual package at Unident Union® covering:
- four GBT hygienization treatments + 1 free of charge,
- examination of the gingival inflammatory index,
- hygiene instruction and personalised care products.
5. how to make an appointment?
- Phone: 71 328 12 12
- Email: biuro@unidentunion.pl
- Online form
Invest in your oral hygiene while at the same time in prevention of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and many other conditions. Regular hygiene is one of the simplest ways to protect the health of the whole body.
Read also: What is Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)? A technology that is changing the approach to hygiene.
