Effects on Overall Health
Infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body. For a long time it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other infections in the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may link periodontal disease to other chronic conditions.
Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. People with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease and periodontal disease can even exacerbate existing heart conditions. Therefore, treating periodontal disease may not only help manage gum inflammation but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.
When an inflammatory condition is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to consult with both a general physician and a dental health professional, such as a periodontist. Sometimes the only way to detect periodontal diseases is through a periodontal evaluation. A periodontal evaluation may be especially important if you:
- Have a high risk for periodontal diseases.
- Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis,
- Thinking of becoming pregnant - women with gum disease are more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies
- Have a family member with periodontal disease. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.
- Have a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks