Periodontal Disease and Whole Body Health

By Andrew M. Sklar, DDS

Most people know that periodontal disease can cause bleeding gums. But did you know that they can have consequences that reach far beyond your mouth? Research has shown a strong link between periodontal infection and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, strokes, and respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. After analyzing records of over 26,000 patients,researchers from the Division of Infectious Diseases at VCU recently found that individuals who saw a dentist every 6 months had an86% lower rate of pneumonia than those who did not.

What is periodontal disease?

In its earliest stages, called gingivitis, gums become red, swollen, tender and inflamed from the buildup of plaque that attracts bacteria. When plaque buildup, also called biofilm, slips between the protective areas where the gum attaches to the tooth, the bacteria start an autoimmune process resulting in swelling of the gums and deterioration of the bone around your teeth. Over time gingivitis can advance to periodontitis where the gums recede, a pocket forms around the tooth, and bacteria further infiltrates the bone. Ultimately, the bone breaks down, the support of the teeth is weakened and teeth can loosen.

The real danger, however, occurs when bacteria from the mouth gets into the bloodstream and travels throughout the body, increasing the risk for infections in organs like the heart, lungs, pancreas, and uterus. In addition, diabetics with severe gum disease are nearly eight times more likely to die prematurely and more than three times as likely to die of combined heart and kidney failure.

The treatment of the problem depends on the severity of the disease and can range from deep cleaning (called scaling and root planing) to gum surgery. Damage to teeth and gums can be reversed through the use of treatments such as perio-protect, non-surgical gum care, oral antibiotics, weight loss and nutritional and supplementation programs.

Regardless of the severity, anyone with periodontal disease would benefit from good oral hygiene and a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Brush and floss after every meal to remove the biofilm. Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, nuts, and whole grains to reduce inflammation, remove free radicals, and promote healing.

If you are at risk for periodontal disease, a trip to the dentist could save your life. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease you should be seeing your dentist every three months. Everyone even those who have not yet begun to show signs of periodontal disease can reduce their risk by visiting their dentist regularly, practicing good oral hygiene and eating a healthy, balanced diet.