Studies continue to prove the link between dental health care and other health issues. An accumulation of bacteria coats the teeth. Bacteria releases irritants (endotoxins) that cause the body to react by releasing chemicals such as C-reactive protein (CRP). The gums or gingiva become red and swollen, a condition known as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Bacteria, endotoxinsand C-reactive protein travel to other parts of the body to increase the likelihood of illness such as strokes, heart disease and diabetes.
A study published in 2006 in the Journal of Periodontology, Hyo-Jung Lee, et. al., demonstrates an association between periodontal disease and cerebral vascular stroke (the blockage of blood flow to the brain). The authors, a group of Boston University researchers, were not sure whether periodontal disease is a cause of narrowing of the arteries that leads to stroke, or a concomitant finding (from the same cause as stroke). There are many studies that show the same connection. More research is necessary to prove a link between improvement in dental health care and a reduction in the frequency of stroke and heart disease. However, treatment of gum disease carries other benefits and is a prudent course of action.
Periodontal disease has a close relationship to diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which blood sugar runs high and is difficult to regulate. Diabetics (people who have diabetes) are prone to heart disease, kidney disease, blindness and circulatory issues that sometimes require amputation of feet or legs. Diabetics are more prone to infection and have difficulty fighting infection. The presence of infection and inflammation is a hazard for diabetics by making it more difficult to regulate their blood sugar.
Other conditions with links to dental health care include cancer, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Author: Dr. David Leader
© 2008 Associated Content