What is the Oral-Systemic Link Between Periodontal Disease and Total Health?

A medical professional brushing a medical typodont to show oral systemic link, a connection between oral and overall health In the past few years, countless studies have been published demonstrating how poor oral health is connected to systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and even pregnancy issues. While both dental and medical professionals agree that some oral-systemic links are more well established than others, such as the link between periodontal disease and diabetes; however, the overwhelming evidence indicates just how important the health of the mouth is for the rest of the body. At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome and his team are dedicated to our patients' total wellness and provide customized treatment plans to meet each patient's specific health concerns and goals, beyond simple cosmetic dentistry.

How Does Periodontal Disease Impact General Health?

While a variety of oral health conditions can have consequences for the rest of the body, one of the most serious conditions that threaten overall health is periodontal disease. Gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, is a bacterial infection that can spread to the rest of the body without any immediate signs or symptoms. For example, researchers have identified a clear link between gum disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer because the inflammation of the gums caused by the immune system's natural reaction to infection can cause an increase in inflammation throughout the body. People with some form of periodontal disease have been found to be at least twice as likely to suffer from a cardiovascular disease or heart attack than those with the disease. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can also spread to other parts of the body, contributing to the damaging affects of osteoarthritis, diabetes, as well as causing complications during pregnancy. It has been found that women with periodontal disease may be more at risk of premature delivery or low-birth weight than women with healthy gums.

Prevent and Treat Gum Disease Today! Schedule a Consultation!

If you are concerned about your oral health or the oral health of a loved one, please give us a call right away to schedule a consultation with one of our expert dentists. At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we are proud to offer Oral Bacterial DNA Testing to evaluate our patient's oral health and create a custom treatment plan. To learn more about our services, make your appointment online or call (704) 310-5268 today! Next, read about the link between cancer and gum disease.