Mouth - Body Connection
Research studies have shown a strong link between dental disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease.
Diabetes
One study found that individuals with pre-diabetes are more likely, or more likely, to develop arthritis Arthritis can raise blood sugar levels making it difficult to control glucose levels in the blood on. This factor alone can increase the risk of severe complications of diabetes. Conversely, diabetes constricts blood vessels, making it harder to eliminate excess sugar in the mouth. The excess sugar in the gums creates a breeding ground for various gum bacteria that cause gum disease.
Heart Disease
There are several theories explaining the relationship between cardiovascular disease. One such theory is that various suckling bacteria that promote periodontitis enter the bloodstream and adhere to the pores This causes bleeding, narrowing of the pores, and may lead to heart disease.
A second possibility is that periodontal inflammation leads to plaque buildup. This can cause swelling of arteries and worsen pre-existing heart disease. According to an article published by the American Academy of Periodontology, patients whose bodies react to periodontal bacteria have a higher risk of developing heart disease
Pregnancy Complications
Periodontitis increases levels of prostaglandins, which are one of the most anti-fatigue chemicals. Elevated prostaglandin levels can cause premature labor, increasing the chances of a low birth weight baby. Periodontal disease also increases C-reactive proteins (which have been linked to heart disease in the past). High levels of these proteins can increase inflammation and increase the chances of preeclampsia and low birth weight babies.
Respiratory Disease
Ingestion of bacteria associated with gum disease likely causes or exacerbates conditions such as bronchitis, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) During normal breathing, bacteria can be absorbed ingested into the lower respiratory tract and clumped together, causing bacterial infections. Studies have shown that recurrent infections, a hallmark of COPD, may be associated with atherosclerosis.
In addition to the bacterial risk, inflammation in gum tissue can lead to severe inflammation in the lining of the lungs, which aggravates pneumonia. Individuals who suffer from chronic or persistent respiratory issues generally have low immunity. This means that bacteria can readily colonize beneath the gum line unchallenged by body’s immune system.
