Links Between Oral Disease and Chronic Disease

75% of adults have some form of periodontal disease.

The majority of people do not know they have it, because it is usually painless in its early stages.

Is chronic gum disease contributing to chronic inflammation throughout the body?

Oral Health Is A Critical Component Of Total HealthPeriodontal (Gum) Diseases are linked to:

–Heart Disease

–Lung Disease

–Diabetes

–Pre-mature, low-birth weight babies

HEART DISEASE

Bacteria found in the mouth can enter the blood stream and spread throughout the body. This bacteria can:

infect the heart, as well as other organs cause inflamed coronary arteries ( can

lead to heart attacks and strokes)

Individuals with undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes

Diabetes

Individuals with well-controlled diabetes have no more periodontal disease than persons without diabetes

Well Controlled Diabetics

The rate of developing periodontal disease in a person with diabetes is two to three times greater than in those without the disease

Those with poorly controlled diabetes respond poorly to any periodontal therapy

A diabetic who smokes and is over 45 is 20 times more likely than a nonsmoking, nondiabetic to have severe periodontitis

Diabetes – Oral Disease Risks

Lung Disease or

Respiratory AilmentsBacteria associated with periodontal disease

can travel from the mouth to the lungs where it can lead to

or aggravate respiratory diseases.

Contributing Systemic Risk Factors

Conditions, habits, or diseases that increase an individual’s susceptibility to periodontal infection

Systemic Risk Factors Tobacco use Osteoporosis Hormone alterations Systemic medications

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Important risk factor in development and progression of periodontal disease

More significant than poor oral hygiene

12 to 14 times more likely than nonsmokers to have severe loss of tissue and/or bone

Likely to lose more teeth than nonsmokers

18 times more likely to be infected with periodontal pathogens than nonsmokers

Smokers are….

Smoking may be responsible for more than 50% of cases of periodontal disease among adults in the US

Extent of periodontal disease is directly related to the number of cigarettes smoked and number of years of smoking

Relationship to Oral Disease

Affects more than 20 million people in US May be a link in skeletal osteoporosis and

oral bone loss Does not initiate tissue destruction but may

aggravate the progression of periodontal disease

Osteoporosis

Levels of sex hormones vary throughout life:◦ Puberty◦ Pregnancy◦ Menopause

Hormone Alterations

Puberty & Pregnancy Pubertal gingivitis

occurs equally in males and females

Pregnancy gingivitis -Usually occurs in patients who have gingivitis before becoming pregnant

Oral changes related to:

◦ Dry mouth◦ Burning sensation◦ Altered taste◦ Bone loss may be worsened

Menopause, Post-Menopause

Effects of Oral Medications- Effect on Gingival Tissues - overgrowth- Effect on Salivary Flow – dry mouth

Medications Associated with Gingival Enlargement- Phenytoin - Cyclosporine - Nifedipine

Effects of Medications

More than 400 over-the-counter and prescription drugs have xerostomic effects◦ Antihypertensives – blood pressure◦ Narcotic analgesics – pain medication◦ Tranquilizers - ◦ Diuretics – water ◦ Antihistamines - allergy◦ Sedatives

Medication effects

Oral cavity as Source of Infection◦ Pathogenic bacteria enter bloodstream and cause

disease in other parts of body Relationship of inflammation in the mouth

and inflammatory diseases in the body

Periodontal Disease as a Risk Factor for Chronic Disease

The good news is taking care of your mouth provides more than healthy teeth and gums – it may reduce your risk of chronic diseases or more severe forms of some chronic diseases

Pain and suffering don’t have to be an option…..

Chronic Diseases & Oral Health

What can you do?