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Healthy Gums
Why it matters
Gingivitis
 Symptoms: red, soft, shiny gums that bleed easily
 Cause: Plaque (sticky deposit of mucus, food particles and
bacteria); vitamin deficiencies; glandular disorders; blood
diseases; viral infections; & some medications
 Risk factors & contributing factors: pregnancy & diabetes,
smoking/tobacco use, stress, genetics & poor nutrition
 Approximately ½ of Americans have some gingivitis.
 Can progress to periodontitis
(Frazier & Drzymkowski, 2009)
Complications of Poor Gum
Health
 Evidence suggests that people with periodontal disease
are at higher risk for developing :
 heart disease
 stroke
 uncontrolled diabetes
 preterm births
 respiratory disease
 “Periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and
travel to major organs and begin new infections. “
(Protecting, 2011)
What are ways
to keep your gums
healthy?
 Routine intake of dairy
Tips for Healthy
Gums







products
Physical exercise
Brush regularly
Recommended intake of
Vitamin C
Avoid sugar &
carbohydrates
See a dentist regularly
(every 6 months)
Floss at least once a day
Drink green tea
Chrone’s
Disease
(ileitis)
Crohn’s Disease
 Definition: chronic inflammatory disease of the alimentary
tract
 There is no medical cure for Crohn's disease.
 Once Crohn’s beings, it tends to fluctuate between periods of
inactivity (remission) and activity (relapse).
 Is not contagious.
What are the most common symptoms of Crohn
disease?
(Frazier & Drzymkowski, 2009)
Digestive Distress Signals
 Hiccup
 Colic
 Indigestion
 Flatulence
 Heartburn
 Diarrhea
 Nausea
 Constipation
 Vomiting
 Fecal incontinence
Is the digestive system in distress with Crohn’s disease?
What tells you whether or not it is?
(Frazier & Drzymkowski, 2009)
Possible Complications
 Obstruction
 Perforation
 Abscess
 Fistulae
 Intestinal Bleeding
 Megacolon
(Frazier & Drzymkowski, 2009)
Goals & Treatment
Since there is no cure for Crohn's disease, the goals of treatment are to
1) induce remission
2) maintain remissions
3) minimize side effects of treatment
4) improve the quality of life.
Treatment: antiinflammatory agents such as 5–ASA compounds,
corticosteroids, topical antibiotics, 2) immuno–modulators, 3) and
other medications to control symptoms.
(Frazier & Drzymkowski, 2009)
The Center of
Human Illness
“The human respiratory system, like many other
systems of the body, comprises several different
brain and body functions working together to
achieve a common purpose: getting our most
vital life force requirement, air.”
(How to heal, 2009-2010)
What do you think?
Is the respiratory system the center of human illness?
Why or why not?
References
 Frazier, M.S. & Drzymkowski, J.W. (2009). Essentials of
human diseases and conditions (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO:
Saunders Elsevier.
 How to Heal Conditions of the Human Respiratory System.
(2009-2010). Retrieved from http://www.german-newmedicine-healer.com/human-respiratory-system.html
 Protecting your oral health. (May 31, 2011). Retrieved from
http://www.perio.org/consumer/protect.htm