by Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD
As a dental practitioner, part of my every day is to help people prevent dental disease and counsel my patients about oral hygiene and dietary habits. However, my role as a dental practitioner doesn’t stop 
there, especially with the growing body of research and evidence regarding the direct link between dental health and its effects on overall health, and vice versa. Chronic conditions affect millions and periodontal disease is an epidemic in its own right—nearly half of all Americans have periodontal disease at any time.
In 2012, a retrospective study sponsored by United Concordia was completed using medical and dental claims data for patients that had both a history of certain chronic medical conditions and a history of treatment for a periodontal condition. The results showed significant reductions in hospitalizations and physicians’ visits for those patients that had chronic medical conditions and complied with periodontal treatment plans. New research building on the results of this landmark study showed the importance of treatment and maintenance on a person’s periodontal health and how it affects his or her overall health.
The new statistics demonstrate the importance of treating gum disease for people with one or more of the following conditions: Type 2 diabetes, cerebral vascular (stroke) disease, coronary artery (heart) disease, and women that are pregnant.
What you need to know about periodontal disease and health conditions.
Gum disease and diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections.
Gum disease and heart disease: Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the bloodstream, attaching to fatty plaque in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation.
Gum disease and pregnancy problems: Some studies have suggested that pregnant women that have periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.
Gum disease and respiratory problems: Bacterial respiratory infections are thought to be acquired through aspiration (inhaling) of fine droplets from the mouth and throat into the lungs. These droplets contain germs that can breed and multiply within the lungs to cause damage.
Gum disease and osteoporosis: Researchers have suggested that there is a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the dentistry of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation.
Source: Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, of Cardiodontal (310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck). For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516-282-0310 or visit Cardiodontal.com.
