Periodontal Disease: The Oral-Systemic Connection
St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, Hudson, Lake Elmo, Stillwater - MN
The Connection to Heart Disease, Pregnancy, and Diabetes
Periodontal Disease is more than just a gum infection. Aggressive treatment of the disease may improve the quality of your life.
Recent studies have shown that periodontal disease causes the body to develop an increase in systemic inflammation and an inflammatory marker called C-reactive protein (CRP). This condition is called the Oral-Systemic Connection. It has been shown that increased CRP levels are a stronger predictor of first cardiovascular events than LDL cholesterol levels.
It is possible to have periodontal disease and not have any apparent symptoms , but with regular dental check-ups the disease can be detected and treated. There are several warning signs that may signal a problem. If you notice any of the following be sure to see your dentist to be evaluated for periodontal disease:
- red, swollen or tender gums
- gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- bad breath
- pus between the gums and teeth
- loose teeth
- spaces developing between your teeth
- a change in your bite
- a change in the fit of partial dentures
Chronic oral infections and/or increased CRP levels are linked to an increased risk of developing:
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Complications of Pregnancy
- Colon Cancer
- Kidney Disease
- Prostate Cancer
- Formation of Blood Clots
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Respiratory Disease
- Damaged Heart Valves
- Endocarditis
- Osteoporosis
Cardiovascular Disease
Periodontitis is an important risk factor and predictor of atherosclerotic conditions. Therefore, aggressive treatment of periodontal disease is indicated to help control CRP levels, even when normal cholesterol levels exist.
Patients who have periodontal disease often have elevations in the CRP inflammatory marker. CRP has been shown to be a key culprit in causing inflammation in the arteries resulting in the formation of clots and plaques which leads to cardiovascular disease and a predictor for atherosclerotic conditions.
Pregnancy Complications
It is important for women to begin and maintain their periodontal health throughout their pregnancy. If oral infections are discovered during pregnancy, treatment should begin as soon as possible to reduce adverse pregnancy risks.
Mothers with periodontal disease are at increased risk of delivering a preterm baby with low birth weight. An Oral Conditions and Pregnancy study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that preterm birth rates were 255% higher in mothers who have periodontal disease than in those who were periodontically healthy. Another study showed that treating periodontal disease in pregnant women reduces the incidence of pre-term, low birthweight infants between 71 and 84 percent.
Diabetes
Chronic oral infections such as "gum disease" affects glucose control in diabetes and deep gum pockets are closely related with glucose tolerance status. Therefore, it is important that those with diabetes aggressively treat periodontal disease to help control their diabetes.
Periodontitis is twice as prevalent in diabetic individuals compared to non-diabetics.
Only a dentist can diagnose periodontal disease.
At the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry, we work closely with your physician and health-care provider in reporting the progress and treatment of your oral disease. We treat periodontal disease with an advanced program that includes:
- Scaling and Root Planning
- Laser bacterial decontamination
- Laser-assisted periodontal decontamination
- Use of the most advanced mechanical and anti-microbial agents
- Ongoing communication with the patient’s physician
If you are looking for a dental office to provide the most advanced treatment available for controlling CRP levels due to periodontal disease in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Lake Elmo, Hudson, Stillwater, Woodbury, Rochester, western Wisconsin and the surrounding areas, email or contact us at (651)739-8573.
