In short, the answer is yes!  When you have periodontal disease (gum disease) your overall health could suffer as well.  The cause and effect relationship between ailments in your mouth and a variety of other disease processes is not precisely understood, but there is a common thread appearing in all the research. 

Gum disease is the body’s inflammatory response to bacteria in your mouth.  It is thought that if you have severe enough periodontal disease for long enough, it can trigger complications such as diabetic complications, cardiovascular disease, strokes and preterm/low birth weight babies. 

As I mentioned, one major concern is the link between gum disease and heart attacks and/or strokes.  The Journal of Dental Research recently published the results of a study that shows the treatment of gum disease may reduce the risk of these concerns.  Researchers found strong evidence linking gum disease to an increased risk of developing blood clots, which could lead to the onset of heart attack and stroke.  Participants in the research had blood tests before and after treatment of severely advanced gum disease.  In these patients the disease had advanced to a point that all their teeth needed extraction.  The blood tests were for blood-clot risk factors and signs of inflammation.  The good news is that the average level of risk factors fell when the gum disease was eradicated.

It has long been known that diabetics are more prone to the development of gum disease, but we have now seen that the two disease processes “feed off of each other”.  Diabetics who are afflicted with chronic gum disease have far more difficulty controlling their diabetes than those who do not have the disease.  New research shows that the destruction of gums can start in diabetic children as young as six years old.  Early signs of gum disease wee found in nearly 60 percent of diabetic children in the 6 to 11 year age group.  If left untreated, these children will be at a much greater risk of developing advanced disease in the mouth as well as future overall health concerns. 

Expectant mothers who experience significant gum disease are at a much greater risk of having a premature or low birth rate baby.  According to the American Academy of Periodontology, about 50% of expectant mothers experience uncomfortable swelling, bleeding and tenderness in the gum tissue.  “Pregnancy gingivitis” usually starts in the second month of pregnancy and decreases during the ninth month.  This is because hormonal changes affect the saliva and bacteria in the mouth resulting in plaque buildup that leads to inflammation.  Recent research of women in their third trimester of pregnancy indicates that an increased level of certain bacteria in the saliva is what has the strongest correlation to the preterm and low birth rate babies.  Fortunately, pregnant women who receive treatment for their gum disease, reduce the risks I mentioned.

Gum disease can strike anyone of any age at any time.  As I have often mentioned, prevention is the key.  If you aren’t on a routine cycle of visiting your dentists for oral hygiene cleanings and examinations, think about starting – your health could depend on it.  Have a blessed week.