By Dr. Héctor Sáenz de Viteri Tejeda
Do you have periodontal disease? You could be at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Periodontitis is a multifactorial and chronic inflammatory disease that can cause irreversible damage to the tissues that provide support to the teeth, such as the alveolar bone. The main risk factors of periodontal disease are:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Psychological (stress)
- Genetic predisposition
- Host response (inadequate immune response to bacterial infection)
Many of the clinical symptoms of periodontal disease during the early stages are painless but can worsen over time, causing severe damage to the periodontium if the disease isn’t diagnosed and treated. Periodontal disease can’t be cured, but it can be controlled with treatment. Regular visits to the dentist are very important to identify individuals who have a higher risk for developing periodontal disease and work on a strong preventive protocol or hygiene maintenance.
One of the main determinants of the development and progression of periodontal disease is represented by an increased number of pathogenic bacteria found in the dental plaque which can turn into calculus (hardened dental plaque) that’s attached to the surfaces of the teeth and underneath the gums causing damage to the epithelium. This will stimulate the production of inflammatory mediators that are not only limited to the oral cavity but can affect an individual’s overall health.
With the presence of pockets around teeth and a damaged epithelium, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, which will lead to dissemination and systemic infection with an increased inflammatory response. The pathogens can travel through the body and get to human cardiac tissue, pericardial fluids, heart valves, and atherosclerotic lesions, putting individuals at a higher risk for a cardiovascular events such as stroke, coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease.
What about diabetes? Well, what’s been found is that individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease, and individuals with periodontitis and diabetes have poor glycemic (blood sugar) control. When periodontal disease is treated in diabetic patients, it’s been shown that glycated hemoglobin numbers are reduced. Also, individuals with diabetes often present a reduced salivary flow, which can lead to increased caries, decreased taste with eating, and fungal infections.
Regular dentist visits are advised for those individuals who have a history of being treated for periodontal disease in the past, if diabetic, a smoker, or have a history of cardiovascular disease. A dental specialist who can manage and treat periodontal disease is called a Periodontist.
Dr. Héctor Sáenz de Viteri Tejeda, who specializes in prosthodontics and implant dentistry from the Universidad de la Salle Bajío and The University of North Carolina can be reached at Salida a Celaya 22, or at 415 152 2065 / 415 154 5152.
