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In recent years, research has shown that your dental health and many conditions within the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body and evidence has continued to support this..
Within this section we’ll explore and document the findings.
Bruxism Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease and the link to Systemic Disease – Why the Concern?
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Dentistry has a long and dedicated history of trying to provide good oral care to people and it’s only recently that we appreciate that there is more involved than just treating and maintaining the teeth and gums.
The responsibility of promoting good oral health and education has proved to be of a greater importance lately, for more reasons than one.
Research conducted in the late 1980’s indicated the ground breaking relationship between periodonitis and the greater likelihood of a heart attack. This link was responsible for the further research and investigation that has today provided us with an insight into the systemic effects associated with advanced gum disease known as periodontitis. |
As we have always known, any infection in the body is a cause for concern but most recently recent studies have shown that pregnant woman with periodontal disease are 7.4 times more likely to have a pre-term, low birth weight infant. Periodontal disease is also linked to pancreatic cancer and cardiovascular disease amongst others.
The Dangers of Gum Disease
This disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria in the areas surrounding the teeth. This body’s natural defence against infection is inflammation. This inflammatory response will cause the gums to bleed and over time, this infection will destroy the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth.
The inflammatory process causes elevated C - reactive protein levels in the blood, which are positively linked to various systemic diseases. Gum disease is the most common cause of elevated CRP readings in adults and therefore control of gum disease is the simplest method of markedly reducing you likelihood of heart disease and stroke amongst other diseases.
When diagnosed early, gum disease is a reversible condition and your mouth can be restored to total optimum health. A healthy balanced diet and a regular oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day will greatly contribute to the health of your teeth and gums.
Our team is committed to helping all of our patients, young and old, achieve their ideal goal of healthy teeth and a great smile for life.
To Summarise
Whilst research is continuing, we do know that maintaining good oral health will be beneficial to your overall health. Preventing problems or the dedicated management of your oral condition is essential. Our team is here to guide you and assist you in achieving excellent health. If you would like to know more about the information listed here, please speak to one of our team members.
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Progression of gum disease to periodontal disease showcasing the impact on your gums and surrounding soft tissues |
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