Whoever would have thought that Periodontal Disease and Heart and Stroke risk would be linked together? Smoking and Heart Disease – we can see the link – but gum health and the health of body organs and systems – what’s that all about?
Gum Disease and Your Body
Expressions like ‘The Mouth is the Gateway to the Body’ and ‘The Mouth-Body Connection’ have been making their way through clinics, conferences and research labs for decades. But what do these expressions really mean when it comes down to the health of the mouth and impact on the body. Periodontists (specialists in treating tissue surrounding teeth) are well researched and prepped when it comes to understanding the unique connection between oral health and systemic health. Periodontal organizations such as the Canadian Academy of Periodontology and the American Academy of Periodontology have long reported on the connection between gum and oral tissue health and the increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease – noting that patients who present with periodontal disease have twice the risk of having a heart attack.
Why Does Periodontal Disease Impact The Health of The Body?
From increasing the risk of heart disease to premature birth and low birth weight – there’s no getting around the fact that Periodontal Disease can do a real number on the body. But why – how can a disease that directly impacts oral tissues cause concern for our entire body? Bacteria, which is responsible for the destruction and inflammation of oral tissues, isn’t isolated to the mouth – but enters the blood stream and travels around the body – causing further inflammation and contributing to blood clots and fatty deposits in arteries. The more plaque build-up on teeth the greater amount of bacteria present and the greater the inflammation of gum and bone. If the inflammation is not controlled, gum and bone levels recede, causing periodontal pockets where further plaque and bacteria gather, causing inflammation – and so on-and-on it goes.
The Importance of Preventative Cleanings
Dentists stress the importance of maintaining preventative cleanings to ensure periodontal disease is prevented or controlled if already present. Routine cleanings, along with a healthy diet, is an essential part of keeping your mouth and heart healthy.
