There are many links between periodontal disease (perio) and ones general health. More and more information from researchers all over the world comes in daily. Just recently, new studies by the University of Michigan Endometriosis Center reported the possibility that there is an association. Both are immune response impairments. In the study, women with endometriosis had a 57% higher likelihood of having perio issues than those without endometriosis. Over 4000 women were used in the study.

Endometriosis is an issue found in women of childbearing age. It is the thickening of the outside of the uterus, often causing pain, abnormal bleeding and sometimes infertility. There is no known conclusive cause for endometriosis. There are a number of treatments; each depending on age and desire to become pregnant. The treatments may involve medications such as pain relievers, hormone treatment, oral contraceptives and others. Surgery is another option for severe cases or in those treating infertility.

Periodontal disease is a chronic infectious inflammation found in the mouth. The word comes from “peri” meaning around and “dontal” meaning tooth. Eighty percent of all adults have had some degree of the disease. Perio infection (affecting soft tissue) and tooth decay (affecting hard tissue) are the most prevalent diseases on the planet earth, however, because it’s in the mouth, out-of-sight, it is often put out-of-mind. Symptoms include swollen gums, loose teeth, painful chewing, bleeding gums. However, some people have no outward symptoms. A dentist can determine if periodontal disease or gingivitis exists and to what extent.

The reason for the possible link is not clear. The researchers at University of Michigan concluded, “Although it is conceivable that the multifactorial development of endometriosis may be augmented by an immune response to an infectious agent, the potential underlying link between endometriosis and periodontal disease may be a generalized, global immune dysregulation.” References: (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18394619)

Even though the study was not conclusive (most studies are not), it is just another indication that perio disease affects the whole body, not just the mouth. It is critical that women visit a dentist for regular six month check-ups and cleanings. If perio disease is present, it is also imperative that treatment be started. And most important, impeccable home oral care is necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy. The evidence points to reducing the risk of stroke by taking care of your mouth.

Related posts:

1. Periodontal Disease
2. Gum Disease – Battling the Almost Inevitable Gum Disease
3. Clean Teeth Could Mean Clean Arteries – Less Chance of Stroke

More and more evidence points to the relationship between strokes and periodontal (perio) disease. Studies in the Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Luigi Sacco, Milan, Italy have reported that the thickness of the carotid arteries was reduced after treatment for mild to moderate gum disease.
 
Strokes are caused by blockage in a blood vessel (most common) or bleeding of a vessel. The studies that were conducted showing a link between strokes and periodontal issues were those strokes caused by blockages. These occur when there is a thickening of the carotid and other arteries. Deposits of calcium and cholesterol – that are in blood vessels and arteries – break off and block the blood from reaching the brain. (The deposits are often referred to as plaque deposits. This is not to be confused with periodontal plaque.)
 
The bacteria found in periodontal disease are the perpetrator. The protein in the bacteria is similar to that found in periodontal disease. While the bacteria are in the mouth, the body sets up a defense mechanism to attack the disease. The chemical given off by the body first attacks the periodontal disease then attacks the proteins in the blood vessels. This in turn builds up the deposits in the arteries. When the fatty substances break off the lining of the blood vessels they can travel to the brain and block the blood, causing the stroke.
 
There are about 800,000 strokes in the US each year, with over 140,000 deaths. It is the third leading cause of death. Strokes strike both men and women and can occur at any age.
 
Perio disease is a chronic infection of the soft tissue around the teeth. The gum tissue is destroyed and pockets are formed around the tooth. Symptoms include loose teeth, deep pockets, bad breath that won’t go away, painful or bleeding gums and red or swollen gums. There are no symptoms in the early stages of periodontitis. Professional dental visits are necessary to insure the disease is caught early. Periodontitis is caused by the plaque (in this case dental plaque) build up from not keeping the area around the teeth and in between teeth clean.
There are risk factors for stroke that one cannot control. These include age, gender, and family history. There are risk factors, however, that can be controlled. One factor is periodontal disease. This can be managed successfully by individuals. Although oral surgical procedures may be necessary for severe cases, most treatment requires good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association (http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning.asp) recommends brushing teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and professional cleanings twice a year.
 
The National Center for Biotechnology Information who published the study showing the link between strokes and periodontal disease, reported that the thickening of the carotid arteries “are positively influenced by periodontal treatment.” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19074511?dopt=Abstract)
 
This information reinforces the belief that many in the dental profession have known for years, that there is a significant link between oral health and overall health.

Related posts:

1. Gum Disease – Battling the Almost Inevitable Gum Disease
2. Cleaning Your Teeth Help Keep Your Immune System Healthy
3. Periodontal Disease Association With Endometriosis