Researchers have recently discovered a link between untreated periodontal disease and health complications.  It has long been known that diabetics are more likely to suffer more advanced periodontitis however, recent studies have shown that a diabetic who is treated peridontally has less need for insulin!  So there is a 2 way relationship between diabetes and peridontal disease.   Other health related links are heart disease and stroke...it has been found that there is a 7 times greater chance for stroke in patients with untreated periodontal disease. 

When we inhale during breathing, we inhale bacteria from the mouth into our lungs.  Respiratory problems are linked to untreated periodontal disease.  Pregnant women with untreated periodontal disease have a much higher risk of having a pre-term birth and low birth weight baby.  Recently, a link with a form of pancreatic cancer and periodontal disease was found as well.  

I find that many of my patients look at the mouth as a black hole...almost as a separate entity from the rest of the body.  This is farthest from the truth!  The link with the above mentioned diseases is due to inflammation.  The bacteria which cause inflammation circulate from the oral cavity through the blood vessels and cause inflammatory changes to other sites in the body.

Periodontal disease generally doesn't hurt., so many people put treatment off..."if it isn't broke, don't fix it" thinking.  However, it really is "broke" and pain isn't always an indication of disease...in fact, many chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and others do not hurt, yet disease is present.  

As you can see, treatment  of periodontitis is integral for oral health as well as general whole body health. 

If you would like to be seen at our office for an appointment please call us at 212 355-1266