Periodontal disease and its effects on your general health

Periodontal disease can have an impact on general health. Equally, various diseases can lead to changes in oral and dental health.

  • Effects on the Heart:

The link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is now well-established.

When the gum is infected, this allows bacteria to pass into the blood circulation where they adhere to the walls of the blood vessels and contribute to the formation of plaque responsible for cardiovascular problems.

This is why, if you suffer from periodontitis, this condition may put you at a 2.5 times higher risk of a heart attack.

  • Effects on Diabetes:

Diabetes limits the functioning of the defence cells, which allows bacteria to remain within the periodontal pocket and increases periodontal destruction.

On the other hand, periodontal diseases can increase blood glucose levels and lead to complications linked to diabetes.

In fact, periodontitis is now regarded as a complication of diabetes and the treatment of periodontitis can therefore help regulate diabetes.

  • Effects on Pregnancy:

During pregnancy the placenta produces numerous hormones; these hormonal variations can weaken the periodontal tissue as they increase the inflammatory reaction of the gums and contribute to the destruction of the bone that supports the teeth.

On the other hand, periodontal diseases may trigger premature birth as the bacteria present in the mouth can cross the placenta and constitute enough of an inflammatory stimulus to set off uterine contractions.

 

Remember

The oral cavity is a mirror which reflects general health:
Many systemic diseases can have symptoms in the mouth cavity and in this case in the periodontium.

And periodontitis may aggravate a number of general diseases.
This is why regular check-ups by your dental professional are so important.