Did You Know That Gum Disease May Contribute to or Aggravate Many Other Serious Diseases?
Numerous recent studies have shown a connection between the oral bacteria found in gum disease and other medical conditions. The bacteria enter the blood stream and travel throughout the body. When the body's defenses respond, cytokines are generated, which can lead to serious health problems such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, aggravation of diabetes, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, stroke, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. New study information indicates that oral inflammation can even trigger insulin resistance in diabetics.
Numerous recent studies have shown a connection between the oral bacteria found in gum disease and other medical conditions. The bacteria enter the blood stream and travel throughout the body. When the body's defenses respond, cytokines are generated, which can lead to serious health problems such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, aggravation of diabetes, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, stroke, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. New study information indicates that oral inflammation can even trigger insulin resistance in diabetics.
The potential effects of gum disease are associated with a greater risk of developing certain diseases or experiencing certain events:
- Stroke: 2-3 times
- Chronic respiratory disease: 2-5 times
- Coronary artery disease: 2 times
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes: 4-7 times
- Diabetes: 2-4 times
(Source: Odds ratios are from articles published in 'Proceedings of The Periodontal-Systemic Connection: A State-of-the-Science Symposium,' Ann. Perio 2001. )
Increasingly, the medical community is viewing periodontal disease as an infection that creates a chronic state of inflammation in the body. Researchers speculate that this inflammation strains the immune system, making the body more susceptible to a wide range of health problems.
Despite the growing evidence, many people are not aware of the possible connection between periodontal disease and other diseases. Because we care about you and your total health, we try to keep you aware and informed about periodontal disease and its effects.
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