The Mind-Body Connection associates periodontal disease to many serious health risks.
Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease, is linked to other serious health risks, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, complications in pregnancy, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
The American Academy of Periodontology, in 1998, launched a program to educate the public about new findings: Infections in the mouth can wreak havoc in the body. For many years, dental professionals believed that bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other infections in the body. Research now shows that it is also linked to chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Treating inflammation may help defend against other chronic inflammatory conditions.
It is important to consult with both your primary physician and your dental health professional when an inflammatory condition is diagnosed or suspected. If you have a sore in your mouth that does not heal within two weeks, or if you suffer from heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis or, if you are thinking of becoming pregnant, you should consult with your periodontist to develop a plan specifically tapered to your needs.
Research also shows that periodontal bacteria can pass through saliva, which means that families with children and couples are at risk for contracting periodontal disease from another family member.
Journal of Periodontology Supplement on Inflammation
In January 2008 the Academy held a workshop on inflammation, inviting a select group of medical and dental experts on the subject of inflammation. The proceedings from the supplement were published in August 2008, and are available online at the links below.
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