The Dental and Physical Health Connection

Many people have heard the recommendation "See your dentist for a check up every 6 months".  However, this advice comes from an old Crest toothpaste advertisement and is not based on any real scientific evidence.  However, it is still advisable to maintain regular dental examinations and professional cleanings because there have been a lot of recent studies that show a connection between poor oral health and systemic health problems.  The following are a few examples of diseases seen frequently in patients with gum disease:

Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease:
Gum Disease or Periodontitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, bones, and ligaments that support the teeth.  It can lead to the destruction of these tissues and eventual loss of teeth, if untreated.  The damage caused by untreated gum disease affects more than just the teeth and gums.  Studies have shown that there is a link to the inflammation of the gums and Cardiovascular Disease.  Patients with cardiovascular disease are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke due to clogged arteries as a result of the disease.  The following article http://perio.org/consumer/perio_cardio.htm speaks about this relationship between gum and heart disease.   It is believed that the dental plaque germs get into the blood stream through the periodontal ligament space around the teeth, cause an inflammation response which over time may result in ccardiovascular disease.  

Gum Disease and Diabetes:

This is a direct quote from the American Academy of Periodontology's website, perio.org.

“Everyone should maintain healthy teeth and gums to avoid periodontal disease, but people with diabetes should pay extra attention,” said Samuel Low, DDS, MS, Associate Dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “Periodontal disease triggers the body’s inflammatory response which can affect insulin sensitivity and ultimately lead to unhealthy blood sugar levels. Establishing routine periodontal care is one way to help keep diabetes under control.” 

It is believed that certain types of infection-fighting white blood cells in patients with diabetes do not work as well.  This allows gum disease causing bacteria to destroy teeth-supporting structures (bone, gums, and ligaments) and helps explain why diabetic patients are more likely to have gum disease than non-diabetic patients. 

Gum Disease and Cancer:

The following is a quote from the e-news letter "Study Suggests Gum Disease Increases Men's Cancer Risk."

"Research published in the June 2008 issue of The Lancet Oncology found that men with a history of gum disease are 14 percent more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. In fact, researchers uncovered that men with periodontal disease may be:

• 49 percent more likely to develop kidney cancer
• 54 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer
• 30 percent more likely to develop blood cancers"

As you can see, researchers are finding ties between gum disease and systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (which may lead to heart attack and stroke), diabetes, and certain types of cancers.  You should make it a priority to protect your dental health as a strong defense against these and other related health problems.  Good home oral care, regular dental exams, diagnostic dental x-rays, professional cleanings coupled with prompt treatment of any signs of gum disease are essential to protect your health.  Ask your dentist to screen you for signs and symptoms of gum disease at your dental visits and follow home oral care instructions to decrease your risk.   Happy smiling!