Twenty-five years ago we were taught in Dental School that there was some nebulous connection between oral and general health. The “Focus Theory” of disease alluded to the presence of bacteria in the mouth which could become the cause of infection in other parts of the body. No specific examples of such disease were described. Since then, several important studies have shown that indeed there is a direct link between dental and general disease – Respiratory and Heart Disease, Premature Births and Diabetes.
Researchers have found that people with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease. Specifically, coronary artery disease in which the walls of the blood vessels around the heart are thickened due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots in these arteries can obstruct blood flow, and, thereby, restrict the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for normal heart function. In patients with periodontal disease, bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, attach to the fatty plaques, and contribute to clot formation which can cause heart attacks.
Gum disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require preventive antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Last year the American Heart Association revised the guidelines for this premedication announcing that “…the risks of taking prophylactic antibiotics for certain procedures outweigh the benefits.” Taking these antibiotics is not necessary for most people, and “might create more harm than good.” Please call or email our office if you would like clarification in your case.
Next, mouth infections including gum disease are associated with an increased risk of respiratory disease including pneumonia. It is thought that such diseases are acquired through the inhaling of fine droplets from the mouth and throat into the lungs. These droplets contain germs which can multiply in the lungs and cause damage. These infections are more frequent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is common amongst long-term smokers.
In another mouth-body connection, pregnant women who have oral disease are up to seven times more likely to have babies prematurely and with low birth weight. Apparently oral disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids which induce labor. And, in women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy the risk of having a premature baby is even higher.
Finally, people with diabetes have known for many years that they are more prone to advancing periodontal disease than is the general population. More recent research suggests that the relationship between these maladies goes both ways. Gum disease may, in fact, make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar, placing such patients at risk for complications.
In most cases, patients are unaware that they have any gum disease as they experience no pain, and cannot see any signs of infection. A common early indicator is the presence of blood after a patient brushes or flosses. Sometimes, such patients report being concerned with bad breath or a bad taste in their mouths. In any case, if you have any concerns about the link between your dental and general health, please call us @ 908.359.6655 or email us @ info@DesignsForDentalHealth.com