For a long time, it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other infections in the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may link periodontal disease to other chronic conditions. Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases, but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.
So, what is periodontal disease? Periodontal diseases are chronic bacterial infections that release toxins that cause redness and inflammation. This inflammation damages the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and if left untreated can lead to tooth loss. Furthermore, this infection can travel throughout the body.
Source: Dr. Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, of Cardiodontal. Offices in Great Neck and Manhattan. For more information, call 516-282-0310 or visit Cardiodontal.com. See ad on back cover.
