A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that can release bacteria into your blood stream and put your health at serious risk.
Learn more about the mouth-body connection and take steps to protect your smile and your health.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Scientific studies have shown that there is a relationship between gum disease and heart disease. Researchers found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Gum disease produces inflammatory products that tend to increase the risks for heart disease. In addition, some types of dental bacteria can produce the clumping of blood platelets, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause a higher incidence of gum disease. In addition, gum disease is linked to diabetic control. Research has shown that people with poor blood sugar control get gum disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than do persons with good control. When sugar or glucose levels are poorly controlled, the high glucose levels in mouth fluids may help germs grow and set the stage for gum disease. In addition, diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, which increases the probability of the gums becoming infected. If you are diabetic, we encourage you to tell your dentist and hygienist about your condition and be extra vigilant about oral care and blood sugar management.
Respiratory Disease
The American Academy of Periodontics reports that the bacteria in your mouth can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with gum disease.
Osteoporosis
Researchers have suggested that there is a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. In addition, studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone supporting the teeth may be decreased. This means that the teeth no longer have a solid foundation to hold them in place.
Cancer
The Lancet Oncology published research in the June 2008 issue that found men with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. In fact, researchers uncovered that men with periodontal disease may be 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers. In addition, a recent study cited in Science Daily states that "chronic periodontitis is an independent risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma."
Pregnancy
Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born prematurely and with low birth weight. In addition, women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby. Studies also suggest that the chronic bacterial infection found in gum disease may affect the outcome of infertility treatment.
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