Antibiotics Prescribed For Dental Woes May Up Diarrhoeal Infections Risk

Antibiotics prescribed by dentists may contribute to the growing of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) bacteria, causing an infection that may trigger severe diarrhea, reveals a new study.In the study, presented at IDWeek 2017 in San Diego, California, it was revealed that dentists write more than 24.5 million prescriptions for antibiotics a year and many of those antibiotics are likely unnecessary, the researchers noted.

The researchers further noted that these antibiotics prescribed for dental procedures kill both bad and good bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) system. In the absence of good bacteria our body allows the breeding of C. diff bacteria -- one of the top three most urgent antibiotic-resistant threats identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"Dentists have been overlooked as a source of antibiotic prescribing, which can potentially delay treatment when doctors are trying to determine what is causing a patient's illness," said lead author Stacy Holzbauer, from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

"It's important to educate dentists about the potential complications of antibiotic prescribing, including C. diff. It is essential that they be included in efforts to improve antibiotic prescribing," he added.

For the study the team interviewed 1,626 people with community-associated C. diff between 2009 and 2015. Of those, 926 (57 per cent) reported they had been prescribed antibiotics, 136 (15 per cent) of those for dental procedures. The findings revealed that patients who were prescribed antibiotics for dental procedures tended to be older and more likely to receive clindamycin -- an antibiotic that is associated with C. diff infection. At the same time, of those who had received antibiotics for a dental procedure, 34 per cent had no mention of antibiotics in their medical charts, illustrating the disconnect between dental and medical care.

Oral hygiene and health care is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other problems and infections by regular brushing and maintaining a healthy diet that enable prevention of dental disease.

We have an easy way out for which you may not have to run to your dentist every now and then or burn a hole in your pocket. Here's a list of some wonder foods that can give you whiter teeth and stronger gums

1. Vitamin C Foods

According to Dr. Simran of Fortis Hospital, the high amount of vitamin C found in oranges, berries and lime can also help in protecting the gums from infections.

2. Apple

Apples are a great source of water and fiber that act as cleansing agents. It contains malic acid that boosts saliva production, hence removing bacteria from the mouth. The fibrous texture of apples also helps improving the health of your gums.

3. Carrot

Foods like raw carrot that are crunchy and firm force you to chew more than the normal foods. Chewing stimulates saliva production and helps neutralise the acids and enzymes in your mouth that cause harm to your enamel.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are slightly abrasive in texture and therefore, they help in removing plaque and stains from your teeth. Moreover, the essential oils they contain help in cleaning your teeth and make them glow. The omega-3 fatty acids present in walnutsand flax seeds can also help in lowering the risk of gum disease that can damage your teeth.

5.Milk

While calcium in milk fortifies your teeth, the protein casein helps reduce acid levels in the mouth, thereby reducing gum corrosion.

6. Aloe Vera

According to the book Healing Foods by DK publishing, aloe vera has immense anti-inflammatory properties. "It also contains salicylic acid, the base material for aspirin, so it is useful for general aches, pains...As a gargle it is also a beneficial treatment for gingivitis, an inflammatory condition of the gums."

Load up on these foods for healthy ad stronger gums!

(Inputs IANS)