Other Diseases And Their Relationship To Periodonal Disease

Evidence suggests a possible link between periodontal diseases and other systemic conditions that can negatively affect a person’s overall wellness, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Bacteria associated with periodontal diseases have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and preterm or low weight births. The bacteria that invade the body through ulcerated periodontal pockets travel through the body’s veins and arteries using them as a highway system to link to other parts of the body. Periodontal bacteria can also spread from the oral cavity to the rest of the body, including the lungs and can cause respiratory diseases associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States.

No matter where bacteria travel in the body, the immune system will respond by sending white blood cells to battle the bacteria. These white blood cells release chemicals that create an inflammatory response. Inflammation can damage tissues. Scientists now understand that chronic inflammation causes or complicates many diseases, including pancreatic cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. For example, inflammation can damage tissues in the brain, which can increase a patient’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Inflammation from gum disease has also been linked to arthritis. Many scientists believe that inflammation is responsible for the development of rheumatoid arthritis in some of the estimated 2.1 million people suffering from the condition. Today, the level of inflammation in your body can be evaluated with a C-reactive protein test from a blood sample.

Autoimmune diseases can have side effects related to oral health. Conditions such as Sjogrens syndrome, Lichen planus, pemphigus, pemphigoid, HIV/AIDS, and Erythema multiforme can present many different oral complications. Maintaining good oral health can impact your quality of life. Good oral health provides the ability to eat and speak with confidence and contributes to your overall wellness. This includes maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine, including daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent the development and progression of periodontal diseases.

RESPIRATORY AND PERIODONTAL DISEASES

For some time it’s been known that people who smoke, are elderly, or have other health problems that affect the immune system, are at increased risk for developing respiratory diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These problems can be fatal.

Bacterial respiratory infections can be acquired by the inhalation of tiny bacteria-filled droplets from the mouth and throat into the lungs. Periodontal diseases, which are chronic bacterial infections, may be a major factor in the development of bacteria that are found in fluid droplets in the lungs. Once the bacteria are in the lower respiratory tract, they multiply causing infections or worsening of existing lung conditions.

An individual with periodontitis may be half-again more likely to develop the respiratory disorder COPD. Among other problems, COPD results in decreased lung function.

If you are at risk for respiratory disease or periodontal diseases, schedule a periodontal evaluation–because knowing you have healthy gums may help you breathe easier.