Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and bone around teeth.  It may appear only as a slight inflammation, but if left untreated, will lead to loosening and loss of the teeth themselves.

Periodontal disease is caused primarily by poor oral hygiene, and poor nutrition.  It is compounded by substance abuse, stress, tobacco use, some medications, and possibly by heredity.

There is no indication that either the appearance or the health of teeth is the only cause of any specific disease.  However, there are conditions that can be markedly improved or worsened as the health of the mouth and teeth improves or worsens.  The health of the mouth definitely impacts general health.

A study by the Journal of Periodontology found that there is a greater chance of developing periodontal disease for people who have diabetes.  The increased risk in this group was probably a result of poorly managed blood sugar.  In addition, having periodontal disease made it more difficult for the group to control their blood sugar as the disease itself increased blood sugar.  With improved management of diabetes, came a significant improvement of gum infections.  To see this study in more depth, go to:

http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2008.070442

Another study in the ‘Journal’ found that a high percentage of patients suffering from cardiovascular disease, also suffered from significant periodontal disease.  Why this is so, is not yet fully understood but there are several possible explanations.  It may be that the immune system in response to this bacteria, builds up plaque in the arteries, and causes an increased risk of heart disease as well as stroke.  It may also be that there is some increase in artery blockage as a result of the inflammation of periodontal disease.  Whatever the connection, it became clear that improved dental hygiene resulted in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease among these patients.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8910831

Some cancers have also demonstrated the impact of periodontal disease.  Studies have been done by both the College of London and the Harvard School of Public Health on this impact.  The studies indicate that there is a small but definite link between periodontal disease and the increased risk of some cancers, specifically lung, pancreas, and kidney cancers.   The relationship is not fully understood but may suggest that periodontal disease indicates some susceptibility of the immune system that impact on the risk of cancer.

The relationship between periodontal disease and bone loss is clear as the disease itself destroys first the gum area, and then the surrounding bone.

There are also indications that periodontal disease causes an increase in respiratory infections, problems during pregnancy, stomach problems, and Alzheimer’s.

To avoid even a slim chance of increasing the risks related to any of these conditions, fastidious attention to oral hygiene is well worth the trouble.  Periodontal disease can usually be prevented by simply brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist as advise.

Don’t forget your pet’s teeth.  Animals can also suffer from the affects of poor dental hygiene.