THE
MOUTH BODY CONNECTION
American Academy of Periodontology launched an effort to educate
the public about new findings which support what dental
professionals had long suspected: 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, new 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 and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating
inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases 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 periodontics. 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. Take the AAP
risk assessment test.
Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or
osteoporosis, or are thinking of becoming pregnant.
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.
Gum Disease and
Diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease
than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are
more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal
disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes.
Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are
especially at risk. Severe periodontal disease can increase
blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the
body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at
increased risk for diabetic complications.
Gum Disease and
Osteoporosis
Researchers have suggested that a link between osteoporosis and
bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead
to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the
teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a
solid foundation. However, hormone replacement therapy may offer
some protection
Gum Disease and
Pregnancy Problems
Now evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk factor –
periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease
may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too
early and too small.
More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may
affect pregnancy outcomes. It appears that periodontal disease
triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce
labor. Furthermore, data suggests that women whose periodontal
condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of
having a premature baby.
Gum
Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke
Heart Disease
Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal
disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can
affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to
fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and
contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is
characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary
arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can
obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients
and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may
lead to heart attacks.
Another possibility is that the inflammations caused by
periodontal disease increases plaque buildup, which may
contribute to swelling of the arteries.
Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are
almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as
those without periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart
conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may
require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your
periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your
heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental
procedures. Stroke
Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between
periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the
causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for
stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia
were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared
to those in the control group
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Types of Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and
periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can
lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means
"around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial
infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.
Gingivitis
is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums
to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually
little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often
caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with
professional treatment and good oral home care.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time,
plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced
by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins
stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in
essence turns on itself and the tissues and bone that support
the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the
teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that
become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen
and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this
destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth
can become loose and may have to be removed.
There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones
include the following.
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Oral Health Conditions to Check at home
The following conditions are signs that indicate that your teeth
and gums need attention and that you should
This is what tooth and gum tissue should NOT look like
Don't forget about your children's teeth....
Look for decay on your Children's Teeth.
This can be caused by using Sugar Water or other similar high
sugar content liquids such as juices, sodas, and baby formulas.
Also decay can be caused by eating carbohydrates (i.e. crackers)
in between meals. Another issue is when children use pacifiers
for too long a period of time... this can misshape the bone
structure of the mouth and cause the growth of irregular teeth. |
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People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease
than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are
more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal
disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes.
Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are
especially at risk.
A
study in the
Journal of Periodontology
found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more
likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled
diabetics are.
Research has emerged that suggests that the relationship between
periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways - periodontal
disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes
to control their blood sugar.
Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar,
contributing to increased periods of time when the body
functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at
increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who
have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the
periodontal infection.
This recommendation is supported by a study reported in the
Journal of Periodontology
in 1997 involving 113 Pima Indians with both diabetes and
periodontal disease. The study found that when their periodontal
infections were treated, the management of their diabetes
markedly improved. |
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Researchers have suggested that a link between osteoporosis and
bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead
to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the
teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a
solid foundation. However, hormone replacement therapy may offer
some protection.
One
study published in the June 2007
Journal of Periodontology (JOP)
examined 1,256 postmenopausal women and looked for a potential
association between periodontal bacteria and bone loss in the
oral cavity. The study results showed that women with
periodontal bacteria in their mouths were also more likely to
have bone loss in the oral cavity, which can lead to tooth loss
if not treated.
A
follow-up study of 106 postmenopausal women over more than 10
years
concluded they could significantly reduce tooth loss by
controlling their periodontal disease.
Another
JOP study published in August 1999
concludes that estrogen supplementation in women within five
years of menopause slows the progression of periodontal disease.
Researchers have suspected that estrogen deficiency and
osteopenia/osteoporosis speed the progression of oral bone loss
following menopause, which could lead to tooth loss. The study
concluded that estrogen supplementation may lower gingival
inflammation and the rate of attachment loss (destruction of the
fibers and bone that support the teeth) in women with signs of
osteoporosis, thus helping to protect the teeth. |
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Gum Disease and
Pregnancy Problems
For a long time we've known that risk factors such as smoking,
alcohol use, and drug use contribute to mothers having babies
that are born prematurely at a low birth weight.
Now evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk factor –
periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease
may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too
early and too small.
More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may
affect pregnancy outcomes. It appears that periodontal disease
triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce
labor. Furthermore, data suggests that women whose periodontal
condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of
having a premature baby.
All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women
because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. The Academy
recommends that women considering pregnancy have a
periodontal evaluation. |
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Gum
Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke
Heart Disease
Another possibility is that the inflammations caused by
periodontal disease increases plaque buildup, which may
contribute to swelling of the arteries.
Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are
almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as
those without periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart
conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may
require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your
periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your
heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental
procedures.
Stroke
Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between
periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the
causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for
stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia
were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared
to those in the control group. |