It was nearly a century ago that Sir William Osler said, "The mouth is the mirror of the body." Who knew how accurate that would eventually prove to be?
Healthy gums and your unborn baby. What could they possibly have in common? More than you may think. As unrelated as they may seem, a link between the disease that eats away at gum tissue in your mouth, know as periodontal disease, and the preterm low birth weight babies has spurned a wave of extensive research within the medical and dental professions. Women who are affected by Periodontal disease have nearly an eight percent risk of giving birth to premature babies or those under five and a half pounds at birth.
The National Institute of Dental Research, a component of the Federal government’s National Institute of Health based in Bethesda, Maryland, recently awarded a $2.2 million grant to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Dental Research Center to look deeper into previous findings of studies pointing to gum disease as a culprit to other parts of the body, including the heart.
To understand the basis for this extensive research, one must realize that this has been under professional scrutiny by medical and dental researchers for the past ten years. Current statistics show that ten percent of newborns in the U.S. are classified as being low birth weight, accounting for an annual cost of $5 billion.
Past findings have created much interest among dental professional as well as those who are involved in the care of pregnant women and infants. Dentists now recommend a stringent program of soft tissue therapy to all patients of childbearing age who show symptoms of gum disease.
The evidence of gum disease bacteria traveling throughout the body has also revealed itself in extensive research on coronary artery disease. Almost one hundred years ago, Sir Osler is said to have proposed infection as the cause of the atherosclerosis diseases. Although the idea dropped away at the time, studies currently conducted now place his insight into a new realm. Some studies conclude a far greater risk exists for men under the age of 50, having a 75 percent greater risk of heart trouble and that gum disease is a stronger predictor of heart disease than conventional risk factors such as high blood pressure.
These findings and others keep alluding to a similar connection between gum disease and repercussions to one’s health throughout the body. Because more than 75 percent of adult Americans over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease, findings of this latest research would impact every individual in this country in some aspect.
How could the two be connected? When you look at periodontal disease itself, it is easy to see why this can be overlooked as a threatening source. Individuals often do not realize the initial presence of periodontal disease. Caused by bacteria build-up around the teeth and gums, periodontal disease begins without obvious warning signs. Perhaps one experiences some bleeding when brushing teeth or may notice that the gums gradually change from a healthy pink color to a deeper red. Other signs are swollen gums, tenderness, and persistent bad breath. Gums that pull away from the teeth, leaving roots exposed, may indicate some stage of periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease eats away at gum tissue and teeth lose their grip. Eventually, they are lost as the infection penetrates the tooth root down into the bone.
This build-up of bacteria enters the bloodstream through small ulcers in the gums. Once in the bloodstream, white blood cells are activated which begin to release harmful clotting factors and proteins.
The American population is aware of the factors that create the best chances for a healthy, full-term newborn. Most mothers-to-be are committed to a healthy diet, exercise, regular obstetrical visits, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. While this significantly enhances the odd for healthy babies, an extremely high number of the child-bearing population is susceptible to gum disease.
The study in progress at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill is meant to better define the link. In the meantime, what should the general public do to prevent or reduce the risk of premature babies or those beginning life with a low birth weight? Anyone who has one or more symptoms of gum disease should seek a thorough periodontal evaluation. While we are awaiting the release of the actual findings, it is only practical that any bacterial infection present in one’s body should receive immediate treatment.
I am pleased to have a role in contributing to healthy mothers, healthy babies, and a population who is better informed.
Dr. Joel Singer is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson College of Dental Medicine and completed post-graduate training in Advanced General Dentistry at Mount Sinai Medical, where he also served as a Clinical Instructor. Dr. Singer began a private dental practice in 1988 while continuing advanced courses in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including completion of the prestigious Advanced Ultimate Esthetic Program. He was appointed to serve as a Clinical Instructor of Advanced Aesthetic Continuums at New York University and is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. He has achieved the status as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, which is an honor achieved by only a small percentage of dentists. His practice is located at 327 Bridge Plaza North in Fort Lee, New Jersey and provides the services of Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry, Periodontal Therapy, and General Dentistry. He can be reached by calling 201-592-6222.
