Dental Health and Your General Health

Evidence has been mounting in recent years of the correlation between one’s dental health and their general health. Various medical conditions and diseases are both affected by and potentially caused by poor periodontal health. When people go to the dentist they should expect to get an oral cancer exam, thoroughly checking the tongue, palate, inside of the cheeks and lips for any bumps or unusual sores or discolorations. Today, in addition to the oral cancer exam, dentists and dental hygienists should be screening patients for the increased potential or severity of several medical conditions which could be caused by or complicated by periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is an infectious and inflammatory disease which destroys the periodontal tissues. These tissues consist of the gums and the bone that support the teeth. It is a gum and bone disease. Periodontal disease affects 3 out of 4 adults. It is caused by a growing colony of living bacteria called “plaque”. Periodontal disease is the realest cause of adult tooth loss. Often without pain, patients may not notice the gradual onset of this common periodontal infection. We have always known that the bacteria and associated toxins of periodontal disease ultimately result in extensive bone destruction and tooth loss, but now we must also consider the risk to one’s general health if left untreated.

The gum infections of periodontal disease and other oral infections often harm more that just mouths. While mild infections may not be immediately dangerous, the immune system may not always keep these infections in check and they can become life threatening spreading to other areas of the body, even the brain! The arteries may be the most common target. The bacteria of dental plaque may increase the inflammation (swelling) of the carotid and coronary arteries increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke by 2 to 3 times.

People with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease. Diabetes is dramatically on the rise in our aging and well fed population. Having periodontal disease makes managing diabetes more difficult.

Women with untreated periodontal disease may be more likely to give birth to an underweight or preterm baby. One study of pregnant women with gum disease found that they had higher levels of a chemical similar to a drug given to induce labor.

Respiratory infections such as pneumonia may be caused from bacteria form periodontal disease being inhaled resulting in these lung infections.

The evidence indicates that if you keep your mouth clean and healthy to prevent oral health problems (cavities and gum disease) you may lower your risk of developing or better control other medical issues such as heart disease. In many cases you may just need to learn better brushing and flossing habits. More advanced cases of periodontal disease may require a careful cleaning of the roots of the teeth, called scaling and root planning (or Soft Tissue Management), or surgery.

We've always known that a little prevention goes a long way to avoid cavities and things like that. Now it seems that by using your toothbrush and floss, you may be preventing much more serious health problems down the road.