Chronic Disease and Your Mouth

A radiant smile is often a sign of vibrant health. That’s because the health of your mouth can impact the rest of your body. Chronic periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease of the mouth which targets the connective tissue of the gums and, if not treated, can lead to bone loss. Chronic periodontal disease is common in the U.S., affecting almost 50% of adults over 30. If not treated properly, chronic periodontal disease can contribute to the development of several other chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease.

Your mouth may not be as clean as you think. That’s because it’s home to a wide range of microorganisms, some good and some bad. Only your gastrointestinal tract has more varieties of bacteria than your mouth. Periodontitis is caused by several different types of oral bacteria, one of which, P. gingivalis, has been linked with cardiovascular disease and Metabolic Syndrome.

Chronic Periodontitis and Your Cardiovascular Health

If you have periodontitis, your risk of heart attack and stroke are elevated, making comprehensive dental care an essential part of your overall health regimen. You can also take steps to reduce your risk of a cardiovascular disease by making diet and lifestyle changes which can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and promote weight loss.

Chronic Periodontitis and Chronic Disease

Other chronic diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease are associated with the inflammatory process set in motion by the bacteria and biofilms responsible for periodontitis.

A healthy oral cavity can reduce possibility of developing inflammation-driven chronic disease. Whether you suffer from periodontitis or chronic disease, there are steps you can take today to improve your health. The first step is to ask your dentist if you could be at risk for periodontitis and chronic periodontal disease.
The second step is to follow the functional medicine approach to optimizing your health. For more information, contact us today.

References

G-N, B et a; Relationship between Apical Periodontitis and Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Events: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2020 Oct; 9(10): 3205.

Nimish Deo, P., Deshmuhk, r. Oral microbiome: Unveiling the fundamentals. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2019 Jan-Apr; 23(1): 122–128.

Sanz, M et al.Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report. J Clin Periodontol. 2020 Mar; 47(3): 268–288.

Singhrao, SK et al. Porphyromonas gingivalis Periodontal Infection and Its Putative Links with Alzheimer’s Disease. Mediators Inflamm. 2015; 2015: 137357.

The contents of this blog are intended for educational purposes only. The information presented here is not a substitute for proper medical attention, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider before starting or making any changes to an existing treatment plan, exercise program or dietary regimen, and before using nutritional supplements.