Researchers have found that patients suffering from periodontal diseases are significantly more likely to experience serious physical and mental illness¹. Read on to learn how improved education and communication can play a vital role in reducing patients’ risks.
How Do Periodontal Diseases Affect Patients?
Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, have long been known to have detrimental effects on patients’ quality of life. In recent years, however, researchers have come to believe that these conditions are often accompanied by much more serious side effects. A study by Dawit T. Zemedikun, PHD, concluded that periodontal diseases can leave the body in an extended pro-inflammatory state, leaving them highly susceptible to serious physical and mental illness¹.
What Systems Are Affected?
Patients living with periodontal disease may see wide ranging complications from their condition. The most commonly affected system is the cardiovascular system, which is responsible for regulating oxygen and nutrient levels throughout the body, among other things. While these issues are not always dire, when combined with pre-existing co-morbidities, they can lead to severe illness and death².
Serious Risks
In the direst cases, periodontal disease can lead to life threatening issues such as heart attack and stroke. While our understanding of the connection between gum health and heart health continues to evolve, a number of plausible theories for this correlation have been proposed.
Research studied by Harvard Medical School suggests that the bacteria infecting the gums enters the bloodstream through the cardiovascular system, resulting in blood vessel inflammation and blood clots². While this theory is yet to be proven, the connection between poor oral health and poor heart health is undeniable.
How To Prevent Future Problems
While most patients will do their best to avoid developing periodontal diseases, many still do not understand the serious risks that are associated with them. Many patients believe that their symptoms will mostly be minor and only affect the area around the teeth and gums. In order to combat this, expanded education and communication are necessary.
Conclusion
As our understanding of the wide ranging effects of periodontal diseases continues to expand, it is important to educate patients about the serious risks that come from neglecting their oral health. It is much easier to prevent these issues than to treat them after they become serious. Dental practitioners should communicate these principles to their patients as clearly as possible.
References
- Zemedikun, D. T. (2022, January 17). Periodontal disease diagnosis tied to CVD risk. Healio. Retrieved January 7, 2022, from https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20220119/periodontal-disease-diagnosis-tied-to-cvd-risk
- Shmerling, R. H. (2021, April 22). Gum disease and the connection to heart disease. Harvard Health. Retrieved January 2, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease
