Research is generally trending toward an association between periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. There is growing evidence that active inflammation of a pregnant woman's gums may have a negative affect on the term of her pregnancy and may lead to her baby being of lower weight when born.
Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue, presence of disease-causing bacteria, and infection below the gum line. Disruption of the integrity of the skin lining the crevice or gap between the tooth and gum and of the tiny blood vessels within the gum tissues is a predictable aspect of the inflammation of periodontitis. The lack of effective barrier and the lack of selectivity of the blood vessel walls may be a mechanism for the mediators of inflammation to enter the blood stream. Therefore, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and reducing the progression of periodontal disease through treatment may have benefits beyond preventing gum disease and bone loss.
Diabetes is a serious, incurable disease that is characterized by too much glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Type II diabetes occurs when the body is unable to regulate insulin levels, meaning too much glucose stays in the blood. Type I diabetics cannot produce any insulin at all. Management of blood sugar levels, also called glycemic control, is a constant challenge for many diabetics. Diabetes affects between 12 and 14 million Americans, and can lead to a variety of health issues, such as heart disease and stroke.
Research has shown people with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease than non-diabetics. Diabetics with insufficient blood sugar control also develop periodontal disease more frequently and severely than those who have good management over their diabetes. Diabetes sufferers are more susceptible to all types of infections, including periodontal infections. Frequent, effective removal of the bacterial biofilm is key to successful periodontal therapy and may make glycemic control more predictable for some diabetics.
Smoking and tobacco use is detrimental to anyone's oral and overall health, but it is particularly harmful to diabetics. Diabetic smokers 45 and older are in fact 20 times more likely to develop periodontal disease than those who do no smoke.
Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke
The association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease seems apparent from research that shows patients with oral conditions are nearly twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those with healthy mouths. Additionally, patients with periodontal disease may be more susceptible to strokes. A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is suddenly stopped. This may occur, for example, when a blood clot prevents blood from reaching the brain.
One of the possible causes of the connection between periodontal disease and heart disease is oral bacteria entering the bloodstream. Some strands of bacteria may enter the bloodstream and attach to the fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. This attachment leads to clot formation and presumed increased risk to a variety of issues including heart attack. Though no cause and effect relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease has been scientifically proven, the presence of common mediators of inflammation and the logic of eliminating a chronic infection seem sufficient rationale to intervene and treat periodontal diseases.
Inflammation caused by periodontal disease creates an increase in white blood cells and C-reactive proteins (CRP). CRP is a protein that has long-been associated with heart disease. When levels are increased in the body, it amplifies the body's natural inflammatory response. Enacting positive oral hygiene practices and obtaining treatment for periodontal disease may help prevent the risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Pregnant women with periodontal disease expose their unborn children to a variety of risks and possible complications. Pregnancy causes many hormonal changes in women, which increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease such as gingivitis, or gum inflammation. These oral problems have been linked to preeclampsia, or low birth weight of the baby, as well as premature birth. Fortunately, halting the progression of periodontal disease through practicing high standards of oral hygiene and treating existing problems can help reduce the risk of periodontal disease-related complications by up to 50%.
There are several factors that contribute to why periodontal disease may affect the mother and her unborn child. One is an increase in prostaglandin in mothers with advanced stages of periodontal disease, particularly periodontitis. Prostaglandin is a labor-inducing compound found in the oral bacteria associated with periodontitis. Because periodontitis increases the levels of prostaglandin, the mother may go into labor prematurely and deliver a baby with a low birth weight.
Another compound that has recently been linked to premature birth and low birth weights is C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a protein that has long-been associated with heart disease. Periodontal disease increases CRP levels in the body, which then amplify the body's natural inflammatory response. Bacteria from periodontal disease may enter the bloodstream, causing the liver to produce extra CRP, which then leads to inflamed arteries and possibly blood clots. Inflamed arteries can lead to blockage, which can cause heart attacks or strokes. Although it is not completely understood why elevated CRP also causes preeclampsia, studies have overwhelmingly proven that an extremely high rates of CRP in early pregnancy definitely increases the risk..
If you are pregnant, it is important to practice effective home care for preventing gum disease. Drs. McDevitt and Jacquot can help assess your level of oral health and develop preventative measures and treatment plans to best protect you and your baby.
Respiratory disease occurs when fine droplets are inhaled from the mouth and throat into the lungs. These droplets contain bacteria and viruses that can spread and multiply within the lungs to impair breathing. Recent research had also proven that bacteria found in the mouth and throat can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract and cause infection or worsen existing lung conditions.
Bacteria that grow in the oral cavity and travels into the lungs can cause respiratory problems such as pneumonia. This occurs mostly in patients with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has also been proven to have a role in the contraction of bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a respiratory condition characterized by blockage of the airways, and caused mostly by smoking, has also been proven to worsen if the patient also has periodontal disease.
One of the reasons for the connection between respiratory problems and periodontal disease is low immunity. Patients who experience respiratory problems generally have low immunity, meaning bacteria can easily grow above and below the gum lines without being confronted by the body's immune system. Once periodontal disease is contracted in this way, it will only progress and worsen respiratory issues.
Inflammation of the oral tissue has also been linked to respiratory problems. Oral bacteria causing the irritation can travel to the lungs, and contribute to the inflammation of the lung lining. This creates respiratory problems because it limits the amount of air that can be passed freely through the lungs.
If you are diagnosed with respiratory disease or periodontal disease, it is possible Drs. McDevitt and Jacquot will work with your physician to plan how to best treat both conditions and eliminate further complications.
Osteoporosis is a condition common in older patients, and particularly women, that is characterized by the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when the body absorbs too much old bone. The leading cause of osteoporosis is a drop in estrogen in menopausal women, or a drop in testosterone among men. Sufferers of osteoporosis must take extra care in daily activities, as they are at increased risk for bone fractures.
Because periodontal disease can also lead to bone loss, the two diseases have been studied for possible connections. Research found that women with periodontal bacteria in their mouths were more likely to have bone loss in the oral cavity and jaw, which can lead to tooth loss. Studies conducted over a period of 10 years also discovered that osteoporosis patients could significantly reduce tooth loss by controlling periodontal disease. Further, it was found that post-menopausal women who suffer from osteoporosis are 86% more likely to also develop periodontal disease.
One of the reasons for the connection between osteoporosis and periodontal disease is an estrogen deficiency. Estrogen deficiency speeds up the progression of both oral bone loss and other bone loss. It also accelerates the rate of loss of fibers and tissues which keep the teeth stable. Tooth loss occurs when these fibers are destroyed.
Low mineral bone density is one of the several causes of osteoporosis. The inflammation from periodontal disease weakens bones more prone to break down. This is why periodontitis can be particularly detrimental and progressive to patients with osteoporosis.
If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, it is extremely important to take preventative measures against periodontal disease to protect your teeth and oral bones.
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