Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious infection that starts in the mouth, forming pockets in between the tooth and gums. Left unaddressed, the destruction of the disease progresses, leading to loose or lost teeth. Beyond the oral cavity, however, the condition can also cause serious problems in other areas of the body and is even linked to heart disease. Learn more about the connection between this aggressive gum condition and overall health.

3 Impacts of Periodontal Disease on the Rest of Your Body

1. Worsens Insulin Resistance

Periodontitis produces widespread inflammation, which can alter the ways in which the body handles the hormone insulin. This prevents sugars from entering cells, and it builds up in the bloodstream, spiking blood sugar and creating a condition called insulin resistance, which precedes diabetes. While researchers have yet to determine whether gum disease may play a role in causing diabetes, they have established that the condition can worsen insulin resistance and vice versa.

2. Impedes Heart Health

Inflammation caused by periodontal disease is also suspected to contribute to atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries and plaque buildup linked to stroke and heart attack. This may explain the elevated risk people with gum disease face for serious cardiovascular events—their risk is two to three times higher than that of an individual with healthy gums. A concrete cause-and-effect relationship has yet to be proven, but the correlation among the two conditions has been observed in several studies.

3. Causes Bone Loss

The fact that periodontitis can cause tooth and bone loss in the jaw is irrefutable, but experts are also looking into whether the disease could be linked to the widespread bone density loss seen in osteoporosis. While the precise reasons behind how this advanced form of gum disease can cause body-wide bone loss remain unclear, the diseases share several risk factors, and their complex interactions are being studied by researchers. 

Though the intersection among oral health and overall bodily wellness is an emerging area of study, based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s clear that having periodontal disease is a risk for the rest of the body. To that end, preventing and addressing any form of gum disease is critical. Whether you’re due for a cleaning or experiencing symptoms of early gum disease, the professionals from Elberta Dental in Baldwin County, AL, can help. Offering cosmetic, restorative, and family dentistry services, this office helps patients combat serious disease with effective treatments, including non-surgical gum procedures. Schedule an appointment by sending the office a message online or by calling (251) 986-3500.