Mouth and Body
Recent studies investigating the association between periodontal disease and other health problems show that periodontitis may be a risk factor for many health issues. This is because your oral health and general health are interconnected.
Heart Disease
Research indicates that periodontitis can increase the risk of heart disease. There is an association between the two conditions and researchers have different ideas as to why:
- Bacteria from your mouth can enter the blood stream . This bacteria can then attach to fatty acids and build up inside arteries.
- Similar risk factors such as smoking and diabetes are shared by both conditions
- Inflammation is involved with both periodontal disease and heart disease. This results in an increased production of C-Reactive Protein. This protein also contributes to inflamed arteries and can cause blood clots.
Although there is no direct cause and effect relationship , there is an association between your oral health and your heart . It is important to treat gum disease and to maintain good oral health. Adults who have good oral health have a lower risk of heart disease.
Periodontal disease can also aggravate an existing heart condition. You may need antibiotics prior to periodontal care if you have an existing heart condition.
Dr Elly Yassa will be able to determine if your heart condition requires antibiotic prophylaxis before periodontal treatment.
Stroke
There is increasing evidence of an association between periodontal diseases and stroke. Studies show that the bacteria that causes gum disease can enter the blood stream. These same bacteria have been found clumped in plaques of the arteries. Clogging of the Carotid Artery can lead to stroke.
Respiratory Disease
Bacteria that grow in the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs to cause conditions such as pneumonia. Some studies have shown that pneumonia was more prevalent in patients with periodontal disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is inflammation of the joints. Research shows that people with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to have gum disease. Although there is no direct cause and effect relationship, it seems that the chronic inflammation in both periodontitis and arthritis is the common factor.
Diabetes
There is a two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontal health.
- Periodontal disease can cause changes in blood sugar levels and make it more difficult to control diabetes
- People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing periodontitis. This is especially so if the diabetes is uncontrolled.
- Treating periodontal disease improves diabetic control
- Long term studies show that control of diabetes helps improve outcome of periodontal treatment.
Dr Elly Yassa can help identify any periodontal problems that may be treated to help improve diabetic control.
Pregnancy and Premature Birth
Pregnancy causes an increase in hormone levels in your body. Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone can have an affect on the gums. These hormones exacerbate the response of plaque on your gums.
Pregnant women may notice that their gums bleed more readily or even feel swollen.
Some studies have also linked gum disease to premature birth . They showed that treating periodontal disease in pregnant women helps them carry their baby to term. More research is still needed to determine the exact association between periodontal disease and pregnancy.
If you are pregnant then it is advisable to have a periodontal checkup . Treating gum disease early on in pregnancy will ensure that your gums remain healthy during this important time.