In addition to bad breath and loose teeth, periodontal disease may have consequences for our entire body. There is solid evidence suggesting that infections originating in the mouth can spread to other areas, affecting major organs such as the heart, brain and lungs. Furthermore, research has shown that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease
are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those
without periodontal disease. Oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter
the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries and contributing to clot formation. Blood clots can obstruct
normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for
the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.
Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal
disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causes of periodontal
disease as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with suffering from a
stroke were found more likely to have periodontal disease when compared to
those in the control group.In addition, medicine is becoming increasingly aware that periodontal disease may contribute to a host of other problems. It can make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. Bacteria from the oral cavity can contribute to pneumonia or cause complications in patients who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease are seven times more likely to give birth prematurely. The mouth truly is the gateway to our body, so if brushing, flossing and using a tongue scraper can't kill your bad breath get it checked out.
