Current studies show that 75% of North American population has some form of gum infection.
Recent studies have shown that there is a strong connection between gum infection (periodontal disease) and other systemic diseases.
Periodontal disease is the infection of the gum, teeth, and bone that surround teeth. With the current studies showing that 75% of North American population has some form of gum infection. But these are usually low grade chronic infection, which presents itself as occasional bleeding of the gums and teeth while brushing and flossing. Due to the lack of symptoms, gum infection is usually undiagnosed and untreated
The chronic inflammation response of the gum and bone surrounding the teeth cause the total body inflammation response to increase overall. This heightened inflammatory response can contribute to worsening of systemic diseases. Inflammation factors from the gums can also dislodge fatty deposits in the blood, thus causing a blockage of a vessel, and may lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Periodontal disease can be a risk factor for the following:
- Alzheimer’s Disease. The bacterial and viral infections found in periodontal disease are a risk factor for dementia (2).
- Cancer - oral cancer, upper GI and gastric cancers, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer (3)
- Diabetes: Diabetes is associated with an increase in gum infection. Also, periodontal disease may adversely affect the metabolic control of diabetes. (4)
- Premature birth: Periodontal infection serves a bacterial reservoir that may exacerbate systemic diseases. Research shows that bacteria can cause inflammation in the gums and get into the bloodstream. The bacteria can reach the fetus, potentially leading to premature labor and low-birth-weight babies.
The common links in these systemic disease to gum infection are the bacteria in the blood and inflammation factors produced by chronic infection on the gum and teeth. If the gum infection is untreated, it can lead to serious health implications and loss of multiple teeth. Scheduling a periodontal evaluation with your dentist is the first fight against this silent deadly disease.
