A growing body of research indicates that infection and inflammation
from periodontal disease contribute to a host of health problems in other
parts of the body. The mouth is a highly vascular area and the force of
chewing distributes inflammation and infection present in the mouth
throughout the body’s blood supply. In addition, bacteria present in
the mouth is inhaled into the lungs with each breath. Highlights from
research results we found particularly compelling include:
- Many physicians now consider periodontal disease to be the second
leading risk factor for heart disease after smoking.
- The presence of periodontal pockets are positively associated with
higher cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol blood
levels in men.
- Patients with elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels before
treatment for periodontal disease had statistically significant lower
CRP readings following scaling and planing treatment. All patients
were free of other conditions that could cause inflammatory proteins
to show up in their blood.
- Inflammation has been identified as a marker to detect heart attack
risk. People with gum disease and tooth decay are almost twice as
likely to die of heart attacks and almost three times as likely to have
a stroke. One theory is that the bacteria from gum infections cause
blood clotting and stick to blood vessels.
- Pregnant women who have severe gum conditions are seven times
more likely to deliver preterm babies.
- Symptoms of diabetes can be worsened by existing periodontal
infection, these same symptoms usually become more manageable
when the underlying infection is treated.
It’s increasingly evident that periodontal disease has systemic effects.
The full extent of these effects are still unknown, what is known is that
inflammation is tied to a host of other diseases, even Alzheimer’s.
Make your health a priority and see us to address any problems you
have with your gums. Periodontal disease is very treatable and
possible to keep under control. The rewards from a healthy mouth
are simply too great to miss out on.
