Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Link Between Perio Disease and Heart Disease and Diabetes

Did you know that your mouth is an overall indicator in the health of your body? Chances are, if you suffer from periodontal disease (which 1 in 3 adult Americans do), it could increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. If you already have these conditions, perio disease could exacerbate the situation.

So how exactly do your gums connect to your heart? Periodontal disease occurs when there is a build up of bacteria in your gums, causing infection. That infection enters your blood stream, and circulates throughout your body. This can lead to a build of plaque in your arteries. Yup, plaque, that very same hard build up that hygienists scrape off of your teeth. Plaque builds up in your arteries, which restricts blood flow, which leads to heart attack and stroke.

Periodontal Disease also makes it more difficult for people with type 2 Diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. It is unclear precisely why diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from gum disease, but studies show that the presence of gum disease exacerbates diabetic complications.

Another fact about periodontal disease: once contracted, it cannot be cured. The best you can do after contracting periodontal disease is to keep it under control.

So, how do you use all of this information to optimize your health? You can start by having regular medical and dental check up. Home care, especially flossing, is essential to preventing gum disease from developing. Having your teeth cleaned at regular intervals determined by your hygienist is also crucial. For more information, or a complimentary periodontal evaluation, call our office at 727.733.1175.