Periodontal Disease Linked to Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Other Health Conditions

A 2003 study from the American Hygienist Association revealed that 75% of U.S. Citizens have some type of periodontal gum disease, an infection where excess plaque leads to inflammation of tissue around the teeth; while 50% of Americans get by without regular dental care. To make matters worse, people with periodontal disease have a greater risk for developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pneumonia, and unhealthy pregnancies due to the entrance of periodontal bacteria into the bloodstream. These findings shed light on the significant role that dental health plays on our overall health, leading dental and medical professionals to refer to the mouth as a mirror to our systemic health.

Dental conditions such as periodontal diseases are a major risk factor for people with diabetes who make up 18.2 million people in the U.S. Diabetics who easily lose control over their sugar level are prone to dental health problems such as dry mouth that occurs when the saliva glands function improperly. A reduction in saliva that helps eliminate bacteria can result in tooth decay. Diabetics also have a slower healing time after developing dental infections such as gum disease. A significant revelation is that treating periodontal disease can reduce the need for insulin injections. Insulin is produced in the pancreas, and when bacteria enter the bloodstream, a reaction takes place where cells are destroyed in the pancreas. Further, the more severe the periodontal disease, the more life-threatening it is among diabetics as exposed from a study from the National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney disease. When periodontal disease in diabetic patients was left untreated over the years, the death rates ranged from 3.7 out of 1,000 deaths where periodontal disease was minor or nonexistent, 19.6 out of 1,000 where it was moderate, and 28.4 out of 1,000 were it was severe.

Heart disease and stroke are also strongly associated with periodontal disease. In theory, when bacteria from plaque enter the bloodstream, it accumulates and clogs the arteries leading to heart disease and stroke. The Journal of Periontology reports that out of 15 patients with heart disease, 9 had periodontal bacteria in their coronary arteries. In addition, periodontal disease increases the risk of respiratory disease when bacteria enter the lungs. A primary concern is the influence of periodontal disease on the birth of premature babies. This is believed to occur when bacteria affects the immune system by stimulating the release of substances that result in premature dilation and contractions.

Without question, the quality of our overall health lies in our hands in the manner that we care for our teeth. By visiting the dentist every six months to one year, we gain more than an attractive smile and long-lasting teeth. We are also detecting and reducing our risk for serious overall health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease that are linked to dental issues such as periodontal disease. Amazingly, dental professionals recognize the signs of poor overall health from office visit exams. In fact, according to a survey of patients age 60 and up by the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontists referred 78% of patients to doctors for diabetes, 66% for heart disease, and 21% for osteoporosis after examining patients. From this we see that proactive care for our teeth is worth every effort.