4 Systemic Problems with Ties to Periodontal Disease

The condition of your teeth and gums can say a lot about your overall health. Over 120 conditions cause symptoms inside the oral cavity, so your mouth is often considered a window to your overall level of personal health and wellness. In fact, the health of your mouth can actually affect every other part of your body. If plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate on your teeth, they can harbor massive amounts of bacteria, which produce acids and toxins as they grow and multiply. These toxins trigger an inflammatory response inside the oral tissues, a reaction that can cause a domino effect of similar reactions throughout your body. This inflammation can aggravate existing conditions, such as diabetes or atherosclerosis, making those conditions more difficult for your doctor to manage. Oral infections can also seep into your bloodstream, causing systemic problems that can even result in death. On the other hand, when the teeth and gums are clean and healthy, they can respond effectively in the fight against bacteria.

A healthy mouth can help you to avoid many unnecessary health complications, improving your quality of life, while simultaneously saving you time, money, and frustration. Here are just a few health issues with ties to periodontal disease, and why professional dental care is so crucial to your overall well-being.

1) Cardiovascular Issues

Since periodontal disease can trigger an inflammatory response throughout your entire body, it has been tied to cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis. Patients with periodontal disease can also experience infections tied to oral bacteria, such as endocarditis, or the infection of the protective sac surrounding the heart. Oral bacteria has also been found in the plaques lining arteries within the body, because infection can seep into the bloodstream.

For these reasons, periodontal disease is thought to increase your risk of heart attack and stroke dramatically. Although the cause and effect relationship between cardiovascular problems and periodontal disease is still being studied, patients who struggle with oral hygiene are far more likely to deal with cardiovascular problems that could end their lives or severely inhibit their ability to function normally. Research has also shown that periodontal disease can aggravate or worsen existing cardiovascular conditions, making the treatment for periodontal disease a crucial step to your overall recovery.

2) Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy triggers a litany of oral health issues tied to hormonal changes, which can increase susceptibility to periodontal disease. In fact, research has shown that a staggering 50% of pregnant people suffer from some form of gingival disease, triggering system-wide inflammation that can affect the development of their growing baby.

Those struggling with periodontal disease are more likely to give birth prematurely, which can endanger the life of their child and cause expensive, significant, and long-term complications. An estimated 18% of low birth weight and pre-term babies are born as a result of oral infections, which is why careful attention to oral issues is so important for anyone considering pregnancy.

The link between poor oral health and pregnancy complications has been studied in great detail. Scientific research has shown that oral bacteria have inflammatory and irritating effect on blood tissues, which can limit blood flow to the baby. Severe gum disease or periodontitis leads to formation of infected pockets between gum and the tooth. These pockets reach far below the gum line and into underlying blood vessels, which are connected to the rest of the body. Bacteria can use these vessels as a pathway to the uterus, where the body will react to the bacterial presence with the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are natural fatty acids that aid in inflammation control and muscle contraction. Unfortunately, this muscle contraction can result in premature uterine contractions, which can cause pre-term delivery.

To ward off pregnancy complications, those considering pregnancy should meet with their dentist for a careful evaluation. Regular dental checkups throughout pregnancy are essential to warding off inflammation that could harm your little one.

3) Diabetes Complications

Patients who have diabetes are much more susceptible to periodontal disease for a few reasons. First of all, diabetes results in problems controlling blood sugar, which can fuel bacterial growth. Second, those with diabetes are more susceptible to infection, which can mean deeply rooted and serious infections throughout your entire body.

While research has shown that gum disease does not directly cause diabetes, the presence of periodontitis severely aggravates diabetes and makes it much more difficult to control. Periodontal disease is considered a serious complication, affecting the body’s ability to control blood glucose and keep infections in check. If you live with diabetes, pay close attention to your overall oral hygiene and never skip preventive dental exams. Catching problems early could help you to manage your diabetes and could save your life.

4) Other Inflammatory Conditions

A myriad of other inflammatory conditions including pneumonia, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer have been tied to periodontal disease, which is why careful management of your oral health is so important. A leading periodontist in Pittsburgh said, In general, periodontal disease involves the inflammation and destruction of tissues that surround and support the teeth, including the gums and supporting bone and fibers. The inflammation is caused by the bacteria found in plaque which produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. These toxins can spread throughout your body, triggering all kinds of severely negative health consequences. To ward off issues, make your dental health a top priority.

Conclusion

The American Academy of Periodontology recommends meeting with your periodontist at least once a year for a comprehensive periodontal examination, or CPE. During these annual exams, your periodontist will inspect your teeth and gums for problems and make a treatment plan to target problems early. Receiving a CPE is crucial for keeping your entire body healthy - not just your smile.

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