Mouth & Body Connection

Periodontal disease and other chronic disorders like diabetes, heart disease, problems during pregnancy, and respiratory disease have a high correlation, according to research studies.Chronic gum tissue inflammation, periodontal infection below the gum line, and the presence of disease-causing bacteria in the oral cavity are the hallmarks of periodontal disease.

Stopping the spread of periodontal disease and upholding the highest levels of oral hygiene will lower your risk of getting other dangerous illnesses as well as gum disease and bone loss.

Cofactors frequently linked to periodontal disease include:

Diabetes

According to a study, people who already have diabetes are more likely to either have the ailment themselves or be more susceptible to it. Blood sugar levels might rise as a result of periodontal disease, making it challenging to regulate blood glucose levels. Serious diabetes problems may become more likely just because of this one issue.

Diabetes, on the other hand, thickens blood vessels and makes it more difficult for the tongue to expel extra sugar. The oral bacteria that cause gum disease thrive in an environment with too much sugar.

Heart Condition

The relationship between periodontitis and heart disease is explained by a number of ideas. One explanation for this is that when oral bacteria strains that worsen periodontal disease enter the circulation, they attach themselves to the coronary arteries.

Due to the constriction of the coronary arteries and subsequent blood clot formation, a heart attack may result. Another hypothesis is that periodontal disease-related inflammation leads to a large plaque buildup. This can make pre-existing heart issues worse and enlarge the arteries. According to a report from the American Academy of Periodontology, people whose bodies react to periodontal germs are more likely to experience cardiac problems in the future.

Obstetrical Complications

The hormonal changes that take place throughout adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause put women more at risk than men of acquiring periodontal disease. According to research, pregnant women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop preeclampsia and give birth to underweight, preterm babies.One of the molecules that causes labour, prostaglandin, is produced in greater amounts as a result of periodontitis.

Increased prostaglandin levels can cause early labour and raise the risk of giving birth to an underweight child. C-reactive proteins, which have previously been connected to heart risk, are also increased by periodontal disease. Increased concentrations of these proteins may intensify the body's inflammatory response and raise the risk of preeclampsia and low birth weight in infants.

Breathing Disorders

Emphysema, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have all been demonstrated to be probably caused by or made worse by oral bacteria associated with gum disease. During routine inhalation, oral bacteria may be pushed into the lower respiratory tract and colonise, leading to bacterial illnesses. According to studies, periodontitis and the recurrent infections that characterize COPD may be related.

Inflammation in gum tissue can cause severe inflammation in the lining of the lungs, which exacerbates pneumonia in addition to the bacterial risk. People with weak immune systems tend to develop chronic or persistent respiratory problems. This implies that germs can easily colonize below the gum line without being stopped by the body's immune system.