Heart Disease

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Some scientists believe that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation.  Many researchers have stated that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. With the help of your cardiologist we will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

 

Stroke 

Stroke Studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study, people diagnosed with a shortage of oxygen to the brain (acute cerebrovascular ischemia) were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group. The control of periodontal disease is an important factor in controlling and/or preventing both heart disease and stroke.

 

Pregnancy Problems

Pregnancy brings a heightened sensitivity to the gums causing them to swell and bleed. Many grandmothers will tell you how they lost their teeth during pregnancy. However another problem concerns the risk of periodontal disease to the newborn. For a long time we've known that risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth weight.

Now evidence suggests a new risk factor - periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small.

It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor. Data suggests that women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.

All infections including periodontal disease are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. We advise all pregnant women, and all women of childbearing age, to please contact our office. We want to help you have the healthiest baby possible. We also want to prevent tooth loss in a pregnant mother to be by treating the "pregnancy gingivitis" and restoring a healthy mouth.

 

Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes. This is because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a major complication of diabetes. Those people who don't have their diabetes under strict control are especially at risk for periodontal breakdown.

Not only does diabetes affect periodontal disease, but periodontal disease can influence your diabetes by making it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Diabetics have an increased risk of diabetic complications when they have high blood sugar. Treatment of periodontal disease has been shown to result in better diabetic control. This decreases the risks of heart problems, circulatory problems and complications of diabetes that can lead to blindness.

 

Respiratory Disease

Scientists have found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity, especially in people with periodontal disease, can be inhaled into the lungs and cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. People with gum or periodontal disease have high levels of oral bacteria and may be more susceptible to lung conditions or breathing problems such as asthma or emphysema.

Scientists believe that through the aspiration process, bacteria can also cause frequent bouts of infection in patients with existing breathing problems and worsen allergies. Treatment of this oral bacteria with proper tooth cleanings, mouth rinses and homecare can reduce the complication of chronic breathing disorders.

 

 

Osteoporosis/Arthritis

Researchers have seen a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation.

Scientists have suspected that estrogen deficiency and osteopenia/osteoporosis speed the progression of oral bone loss following menopause, which could lead to tooth loss. Nutrition is extremely important in slowing down or preventing osteoporosis. If you are suffering from osteoporosis, please contact our office to find out how periodontal disease and nutritional supplements can influence osteoporosis.

 

 

 

Source:  National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research
& American Heart Association