Oral Health and its Effects on the Rest of the Body
Oral Health and its Effects on the Rest of the Body
Many do not realize that the smile is the gateway to the rest of the body. The health of the smile can affect the health of the rest of the body. Research has found a direct link between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
When gum disease-causing bacteria builds up between gums and teeth, it causes inflammation. This soon leads to infection if it is not treated quickly. Not only does this bacteria impact gums and bone structure, but it can make its way to the rest of the body.
Oral Health and Diabetes
Most research points to a strong link between periodontitis and diabetes.
Gum disease affects a diabetics ability to control blood sugar levels. Once inflammation develops, patients with diabetes cannot utilize insulin properly. Additionally, since their immune system is affected inflammation caused by gingival infection, it reduces the person’s ability to fight off viruses and foreign pathogens causing gum disease in the first place.
This makes it especially important for diabetics to visit the dentist regularly for check-ups. High blood sugar allows for the proper conditions for gum disease to grow.
Oral Health and Bone Loss
Although periodontitis doesn’t lead to osteoporosis, heart disease and osteoporosis have similar results and symptoms. Osteoporosis affects bones like arms and legs, and gum disease impacts jawbone density. However, studies have shown that women who have osteoporosis also have gum disease compared to those who do not.
Oral Health and Pregnancy
Pregnant women undergo an array of hormonal changes, increasing the woman’s likelihood of developing periodontitis.
Inflammation from periodontitis can impact the fetus’s development in the womb, leading to issues like as low birth weights. Babies born with low birth weight often have heart issues such as lung and heart conditions as well as learning disorders. It is recommended for women who are expecting or are seeking to become pregnant to identify if they are at risk for periodontitis to treat the condition before further fetal development.
Oral Health and Heart Disease
Just like osteoporosis, there isn’t a direct connection with heart disease and gum disease. However, 91% of patients with heart disease also have periodontitis. These two conditions share common risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Inflammation in any form can lead to inflammation of the blood vessel, impacting the heart and the rest of the body.
Periodontal disease, if caught early, can be treated effectively. For more information about gum disease treatments, contact our office today!