When Was Your Last Periodontal Evaluation?

By James Lee, DDS

Recent research has linked oral health to certain medical conditions. The mouth is connected to the body. There is a strong link between periodontal disease and diabetes, adverse pregnancies, and cardiovascular events. The research has shown that there is a correlation between oral health and respiratory conditions, stress, and osteoporosis. When was your last periodontal evaluation?
It has been proven that periodontitis increases serum markers and mediators of inflammation. Diabetes and periodontal disease have a bidirectional relationship. Periodontal health improves glycemic control and vise versa. Periodontal therapy may help reduce HbA1c counts.
Maternal periodontal disease increases the risk for preterm delivery. Increased C-reactive protein levels lead to preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth. Treatment of periodontitis in pregnant women improves their periodontal disease and is safe.
There is evidence to suggest that periodontal diseases are associated with cardiovascular disease. Older adults who have high numbers of four periodontal related bacteria tend to have thicker carotid arteries. Specific periodontal bacteria (Aa and Pg) are also present in atherosclerosis plaques