Oral Systemic Link

ORAL SYSTEMIC LINK:

Research has shown that bacteria in the mouth can greatly impact the overall health of the body.  Periodontal disease, including both gingivitis and periodontitis, has been linked to several health conditions that can affect your general health.  Here are a few examples:

Uncontrolled Diabetes:

                -Studies have proven that diabetes and periodontal disease are bi-directional.  This means that diabetes will make periodontal disease worse and periodontal disease will make controlling diabetes very difficult.  Diabetes can alter an individual’s salivary makeup, creating an environment prone to bacterial overgrowth.  Diabetes further makes it difficult for wounds to heal, therefore, there is a greater chance of the infection (periodontal disease) progressing.

Heart Disease:

                -Periodontal disease increases the risk that an individual may have a fatal heart attack, develop cardiovascular disease and/or develop blockage in the heart arteries.

                -Individuals with periodontal disease may have an increased risk for a stroke.

Respiratory Infections:

                -With periodontal disease, the bacteria in the dental plaque can be inhaled into the lungs and can cause pneumonia, COPD and complications with asthma.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

                -Periodontal disease increases inflammation throughout the body, not just in the mouth.  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune arthritis and its symptoms are intensified by the chronic inflammation in the body periodontal disease can cause.

Preterm or Low Birthweight Babies:

                -Women with periodontal disease are more likely to give birth to an underweight or preterm baby.  In addition, the oral bacterial can cross the placental barrier, which poses a risk for the baby developing an infection.

Severe Osteopenia:

                -Periodontal disease is associated with a reduction in bone mass(osteopenia) and possible tooth loss.