The Connection Between Periodontal Diseases And Systemic Health
Gum disease or periodontal disease is an oral condition that affects millions of people in Australia. According to research, 26.8% of people in Australia had gum diseases. Moreover, most people affected by this condition are above the age of 30. Research has linked periodontal disease to a number of systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The systemic disease is a term used to refer to health conditions that affect different organs of the body. This article takes a look at the connection that exists between some of the systemic diseases and periodontal disease.
Stroke
According to research done in Germany back in 2004, periodontal disease increases the risk of ischemic stroke, especially for men who are under the age of 60. Ischemic stroke is a kind of condition that occurs due to blocked blood vessels that transports blood to the brain. Periodontal disease can harden the arteries and limit blood from reaching the brain. Health experts agree that controlling the periodontal disease can reduce the risk of certain types of stroke.
Diabetes
Research shows that people who have diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease and lose teeth out of condition compared to people who don’t have diabetes. In addition, periodontal disease could have adverse consequences when it comes to the ability of the body to regulate the glucose level. If the body is unable to regulate glucose levels which as basically sugars, it gives oral bacteria a conducive environment to thrive. Health experts agree that regulating the levels of sugars in the body can decrease the risk of gum disease as well as other complications in the body associated with diabetes.
Heart Disease
Periodontal disease has also been linked to heart disease due to several reasons. First, the periodontal disease contributes to hardening of the arteries as mentioned above, which is a symptom of gum disease. Second is that periodontal disease reduces blood to the heat, which can result in an attack or even stroke. Also, due to the fact that periodontal disease involves harbouring bacteria beneath the gum line, it can result in having them travel to the heart through the blood stream. Experts say that good dental hygiene decreases the risk of heart disease.
Breast Cancer
Research has it that women who have periodontal disease have a 14% increased risk of developing breast cancer. The percentage escalates to 30% if the woman is a smoker or have smoked within the last two decades. However, experts are still doing more research to establish the exact connection between periodontal disease and breast cancer.
Bottom Line
Your mouth is the entry point of many bacteria that affects the body. Therefore, taking care of your oral health will guarantee you a reduced risk of many systemic and oral diseases. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once. More importantly, make sure that you schedule regular dental visits to your dentist. If you have any of the systemic diseases mentioned above or you suspect that you may be suffering from periodontal disease, visit us at Springvale Dental Clinic. Our dentist will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment for you.
