I have heard that gum disease can potentially lead to problems with the heart as well as being a risk factor for other medical conditions. Is this true?

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection that stresses the entire body. New research reveals that several medical conditions or risk factors can exacerbate periodontal disease and vice versa. For example, the risk of periodontal disease is greater for smokers than nonsmokers. Patients with HIV and AIDS are more likely to develop rapidly destructive periodontal disease. Diabetic patients are more prone to gum disease. People who have moderate to severe periodontal disease may have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (about two times greater), low birth weight and premature births (about eight times greater), and a higher risk for morbidity and mortality in general (about two times greater).

For diabetics, unchecked periodontal disease includes additional risks. Diabetics tend to have a high level of glucose in their bloodstream which can lead to glycosylated hemoglobin. This condition causes the blood vessels to narrow especially in the extremities. If gangrene or retinitis occur due to this narrowing of the blood vessels, limbs may need to be amputated and blindness can occur. By controlling periodontal disease with scaling and root planing ("deep cleaning"), antibiotics, antimicrobials and possibly periodontal surgery, the level of glycosylated hemoglobin can be reduced by about 10 percent. This reduction allows for an improvement in the overall diabetic condition.

As you have heard, we are learning about the role of periodontal disease as it relates to cardiovascular conditions. Periodontitis is related to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is caused by the adherence of platelets to the arterial walls. These platelet buildups are called plaques and can lead to heart disease and strokes. Porphyromonas gingivalis (a common bacteria found in periodontal disease) and chlamydia (a yeast) have both been implicated in the formation of plaques as they help the platelets adhere to each other.

The bacteria Heliobacter pylorri has fairly recently been implicated in causing stomach ulcers. It has also been discovered that Heliobacter pylorri is present in plaque buildup in the mouth. This may be a reservoir or seeding place for Heliobacter pylorri in the stomach. By practicing good oral hygiene and keeping the mouth as free of plaque as possible, one may not only help prevent cavities and periodontal disease, but one may also help decrease the chance of developing a stomach ulcer.

It is now apparent that periodontal disease has many implications for our general health. As more research is completed, I would not be surprised to learn of more relationships between oral health and general health. This relationship is precisely why dentists strongly encourage patients to take an active role in their oral health, visit the dentist regularly and practice good homecare. It's not just about your teeth. Dentists are concerned about your overall health.