Periodontal Disease & Your Health
It is well known that periodontal diseases are a series of bacterial
infections that destroy the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth.
Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. What is
commonly not thought of is how this oral infection can also affect the
rest of the body.
An infection in the mouth can affect the overall health and have serious
systemic manifestations. Like other infections, the bacterial cells that
cause periodontal disease, or their toxic products, can enter the blood
system and affect other organs.
Research studies indicate that periodontal infections can affect the
overall health and that periodontal disease is a risk factor for many
health problems.
Bacteremia:
Bacteremia is an infection caused by infectious organisms in the blood
system. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can enter the blood
system through cuts in the gum provoked by normal chewing or brushing
habits.
The bacteria can also enter the blood system directly through the
infected gum tissue in a periodontal pocket. The more infected the gums
are, the more likely bacteria are to enter
the blood system. These bacteria can travel
and infect other organs. The best way to
prevent bacteremia caused by oral bacteria
is by maintaining oral health.
Infective endocarditis:
People that have damaged heart valves, a
history of rheumatic fever with subsequent
heart valve damage, aortic stenosis, certain
heart murmurs, and mitral valve prolapse
with regurgitation are at greater risk of
developing infective endocarditis -- an
infection of the lining and valves of the
heart.
If not treated immediately with antibiotics,
this infection can be fatal. The best way to
prevent infective endocarditis is by
minimizing the amount of bacteria in the
mouth. Several periodontal treatments, like
meticulous home care with brushing and
flossing, combined with professional
cleanings and modification of risk factors
related to periodontal disease, are
essential in controlling the bacterial
infection.
Cardiovascular disease:
Evidence suggests that having periodontal
disease puts you at greater risk for
cardiovascular disease. The bacteria that
are normally found in the mouth have been
found in the artery walls of people with
cardiovascular disease. These bacteria can
irritate the arteries, leading to fatty
deposits and eventual blockage of the
arteries resulting in heart attacks or
strokes.
•
Heart attacks:
The bacterial infection that causes
periodontal disease may also affect the
heart. In fact, all other conditions being
equal, people with periodontal disease may
have twice the risk of having a fatal heart
attack as people that don't have periodontal
disease.
• Strokes:
Strokes occur when a blood vessel in the
brain becomes blocked and there is reduction
in the oxygen delivery to the brain cells.
This can lead to paralysis, speech problems,
and even death. A research study of 10,000
people found that periodontal disease can
increase your risk of having a stroke by
two-fold.
Artificial joints:
Artificial joints or prosthetic devices may
be vulnerable to infection by the bacteria
that cause periodontal disease. These
bacteria can enter the blood stream through
small ulcerations in the gums.
Diabetes:
Periodontal disease can increase insulin
requirements and diabetic complications.
Treating periodontal disease can actually
reduce the need for insulin.
Respiratory disease:
People with advanced periodontal disease are
four and a half times more likely to have
chronic respiratory disease. The bacteria
that cause periodontal disease can be
aspirated into the lungs increasing the risk
for pneumonia and other respiratory
diseases.
Treatment of periodontal disease may save
your life!
Premature, low-birth weight babies:
If you do have periodontal disease and are
pregnant, you may have a higher risk of
having a premature, low-birth weight baby.
Pregnant women who have periodontal disease
are seven and a half times more likely to
have a baby that is born too early or too
small. This time, treating periodontal
disease can help improve your health and
that of your baby.
So, because periodontal infections can
affect the overall health and periodontal
disease is a risk factor for many health
problems, seeking periodontal treatment can
help improve your oral and overall health.
|
