Research studies have shown that
there is a strong association between periodontal
disease and other chronic conditions such as
diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and
respiratory disease.
Periodontal disease is
characterized by chronic inflammation of the gum
tissue, periodontal infection below the gum line and
a presence of disease-causing bacteria in the oral
region. Halting the progression of periodontal
disease and maintaining excellent standards of oral
hygiene will not only reduce the risk of gum disease
and bone loss, but also reduce the chances of
developing other serious illnesses.
Common cofactors associated with
periodontal disease:
Diabetes
A research study has shown that
individuals with pre-existing diabetic conditions
are more likely to either have, or be more
susceptible to periodontal disease. Periodontal
disease can increase blood sugar levels which makes
controlling the amount of glucose in the blood
difficult. This factor alone can increase the risk
of serious diabetic complications. Conversely,
diabetes thickens blood vessels and therefore makes
it harder for the mouth to rid itself of excess
sugar. Excess sugar in the mouth creates a breeding
ground for the types of oral bacteria that cause gum
disease.
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Heart Disease
There are several theories which
explain the link between heart disease and
periodontitis. One such theory is that the oral
bacteria strains which exacerbate periodontal
disease attach themselves to the coronary arteries
when they enter the bloodstream. This in turn
contributes to both blood clot formation and the
narrowing of the coronary arteries, possibly leading
to a heart attack.
A second possibility is that the
inflammation caused by periodontal disease causes a
significant plaque build up. This can swell the
arteries and worsen pre-existing heart conditions.
An article published by the American Academy of
Periodontology suggests that patients whose bodies
react to periodontal bacteria have an increased risk
of developing heart disease.
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Pregnancy
Complications
Women in general are at increased
risk of developing periodontal disease because of
hormone fluctuations that occur during puberty,
pregnancy and menopause. Research suggests that
pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease
are more at risk of preeclampsia and delivering
underweight, premature babies.
Periodontitis increases levels of
prostaglandin, which is one of the labor-inducing
chemicals. Elevated levels prostaglandin may
trigger premature labor, and increase the chances of
delivering an underweight baby. Periodontal disease
also elevates C-reactive proteins (which have
previously been linked to heart disease).
Heightened levels of these proteins can amplify the
inflammatory response of the body and increase the
chances of preeclampsia and low birth weight babies.
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Respiratory Disease
Oral bacterium linked with gum
disease has been shown to possibly cause or worsen
conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia and Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Oral bacteria
can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract during
the course of normal inhalation and colonize;
causing bacterial infections. Studies have shown
that the repeated infections which characterize COPD
may be linked with periodontitis. In addition
to the bacterial risk, inflammation in gum tissue
can lead to severe inflammation in the lining of the
lungs, which aggravates pneumonia. Individuals who
suffer from chronic or persistent respiratory issues
generally have low immunity. This means that
bacteria can readily colonize beneath the gum line
unchallenged by body’s immune system.
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Osteoporosis
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If you have questions or
concerns about periodontal disease and the
mouth-body connection, please ask your dentist. We
care about your overall health and your smile!
