Reseach studies have shown that there is a strong association between heart disease, pregnancy complications, diabetes, respiratiory diseases and gum diseases, as diseased gums pump high levels of harmful bacterial components into the bloodstream, Your mouth is a portal to your body!!!
LINKS TO
HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery 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 (heart blood vessels) when they enter the blood stream. This in turn contributes to both, blood clot formation and thickening and narrowing of the coronary arteries.Blood clots and thickened blood vessels obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for heart to function properly leading to heart attacks.
A Second possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease causes a significant plaque buildup. This can swell the arteries and worsen the pre existing heart conditions.
So even though, periodontal disease, heart disease and stroke seem to be unlikely bedfellows, there is little doubt that they seem to go hand in hand. The periodontist and cardiologist generally work as a team in order to treat individuals experiencing both conditions.
PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS
Women in general are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease because of hormone fluctuations that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
” A tooth lost for every child”. You have heard this old wives tales about pregnancy and while it seems far fetched, it actually is based loosely in fact.Your teeth and gums are affected by pregnancy, just as other tissues in your body. You may not be aware but the health of your gums may also affect the health of you baby too!!!!
Studies were done which researched the role that gum diseases may have in influencing pre-mature births and low birth weights. The research suggests that pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease are more at risk of pre-eclampsia and delivering underweight pre-mature babies.
Periodontitis increases levels of prostaglandins, which is one of the labour inducing chemicals. Elevated levels of prostaglandins may trigger pre mature labour and increase the chances of delivering an underweight baby. Periodontal disease also elevates C-reactive proteins (previously linked to heart disease). Heightened levels of these proteins can amplify the inflammatory response of body and increase the chances of pre-mature births and low birth weights.
So, when the test result comes and if its positive (you are pregnant) do include a “visit to periodontist” in your TO DO LIST to ensure an on-time and safe arrival of your most prescious cargo!!!!!
DIABETES
It is a well known fact that people who suffer from diabetes are more susceptible to developing infections than the non-diabetics. However it is not widely known that periodontal disease is often considered the 6th complication of diabetes,particularly when the diabetes is not under proper control.
Research has emerged, that suggests that relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways. Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.
Periodontal disease can increase blood sugar levels which makes controlling the amount of glucose in blood difficult, thereby increasing the risk of serious diabetic complications.Conversly, diabetes thickens blood vessels and therefore makes it harder for the mouth to rid itself of excess sugar. Excess suger in the mouth creates a breeding ground for the types of oral bacteria that cause gum disease.
It is therefore of paramount importance for people suffering from any type of diabetes to see the dentist at least twice yearly for check-ups and professional cleanings!!!
RESPIRATORY DISEASE
Periodontal disease has been linked to respiratory disease through recent research studies. Oral bacterium linked with gum disease has been shown to possibly cause or worsen conditions such as pneumonia, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Bacterial respiratory infections can be acquired through aspiration (inhalation) of fine droplets from the mouth and throat into the lungs. These droplets contain germs that can breed and multiply within lungs to cause damage.This can cause infections or worsen existing lung conditions.Patients with respiratory disease such as COPD, typically suffer from reduced protective system, making it difficult to eliminate bacteria from the lungs.
In addition to the bacterial risk, inflammation in the gum tissue can lead to severe inflammation in the lining of the lungs, thus limiting the amount of air that can freely pass from the lungs.
So, when respiratory disease and periodontal disease are both diagnosed in one individual, it is important for the dentist and the physician to function as a team to control both the conditions!!!!
OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone supporting the teeth may be decreased.
Though studies are still being conducted in order to further assess the extent of the relationship between osteoporosis and periodontal disease, the researchers have far made the following connections:
Estrogen deficiency accompanies menopause and also speeds up the progression of oral bone loss. The lack of estrogen accelerates the rate of attachment loss (fibers and tissues which keep the teeth stable are destroyed).
Low mineral bone density: This is thought to be one of the several causes of osteoporosis. and inflammation from periodontal disease makes weakend bones more prone to breakdown. Hence Periodontitis can be more progressive in patients with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis and periodontal disease would be much less dangerous if they are diagnosed in the early stages. Routine dental x rays can be effectively used to screen bone loss in upper and lower jaws.
