Up until recently, the relationship between tooth loss and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been largely overlooked by medical researchers. However, an emerging body of evidence suggests that these two conditions may be closely linked.
Recent new publications from a European research project have highlighted a correlation between IBD and severe oral health issues such as extensive tooth loss in adults—offering insight into an often-overlooked area of dental health. Periodontitis has previously been linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, this new study is shedding light on the relationship between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
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For the study, approximately 1,100 patients answered survey questions online. Half of the participants had Crohn’s disease, and the other half had ulcerative colitis. A large group of people, approximately 3,400 without IBD, also participated in the study and were matched for certain criteria to the patients with IBD.
The study not only showed that participants with intestinal disease had worse oral health than those without IBD but also noted that the oral health of people with Crohn’s disease was more affected. It was found that these patients had lost more teeth than people with ulcerative colitis.
“Both diseases can be described as a strong overreaction of the immune system against a theoretically relatively mild bacterial trigger. You can say that the immune system attacks one’s own body,” said researcher Andreas Stavropoulos.
This study helps to bring forward a discussion about the relationship between gut health and oral health.
Protecting Teeth and Colon Health
Periodontitis is a condition that can have serious consequences if not treated in time. It may start off with a relatively mild symptom, like gums bleeding during brushing, but this can quickly escalate should the periodontitis not be addressed.
If periodontitis is left to its own devices, it can deteriorate your teeth to the point that you end up losing them. That is why it’s important to check for periodontitis as soon as possible. Attending regular appointments with your dental hygienist and dentist for cleaning and periodontal exams should help prevent it from taking root and reduce the risk of facing more serious symptoms, such as tooth loss.
Taking care of your digestive health is also important throughout life. Healthy Colon provides an excellent solution to healthy digestion. The unique blend of ingredients includes natural sources of fiber, herbal ingredients, and probiotics to help prevent constipation and diarrhea. Poor digestion can impact the absorption of nutrients and vitamins, depriving the body of the valuable nutrients it desires. But Healthy Colon can target a number of causes of digestive issues, promoting overall health and wellness.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
