Oral Systemic Health: A quick snapshot
Research shows a positive association between periodontitis (inflammation and infection of the gums) and various other health conditions. Maintaining a consistent and thorough oral care routine is not just about the health of your mouth, but the health of your entire body.
How it works? Bacteria that accumulate on the teeth make the gums more susceptible to infection. The immune system’s pathological response to infection is inflammation. A chronic state of inflammation can eventually destroy the gums and bone structure that support the teeth, creating a portal of entry for bacteria to disseminate throughout the body via the circulatory system. Periodontitis may predispose the following systemic diseases and health conditions:
Diabetes: The link between gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Diabetics are more prone to infection and have impaired circulation, making the gum tissue more susceptible to infection and a candidate for gum disease. On the contrary, the presence of oral bacteria can trigger chronic inflammation. Research suggests that inflammation can act as a catalyst for insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke: Oral bacteria have been linked to plaque in arteries in the heart. It is believed that these bacteria can contribute to carotid atheromas (accumulation and swelling in artery walls). Inflammation in the mouth may also trigger inflammation in the body, including the arteries. Clogged arteries can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Research supports a casual link between gum disease and cognitive function, as the oral bacteria known as Porphyromonas gingivalis has been found in samples of brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients.
Pre-term Babies: Research suggests that oral bacteria may reach the fetus, signaling the body to enter labor.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Studies suggest that poor oral health is a risk factor for HPV infection. HPV infection can precede various forms of cancer.
Pulmonary Disease: Inhaling oral bacteria into the lungs can cause respiratory conditions or worsen existing issues.