Periodontal Health
Poor dental health can lead to periodontitis – an inflammation of the tissue around the teeth, often resulting in shrinkage of the gums and loosening of the teeth. It’s a commonly occurring condition that can not only reduce your ability to chew, but can have an effect on the aesthetics of your mouth and may even lead to tooth loss. But there’s far more to periodontitis than initially meets the eyes.
Studies have shown that periodontitis increases the risk of poor glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus as well as diabetes complications and associated morbidity. Successful periodontal interventions also improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. Periodontitis is also independently associated with cardio-vascular diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes in some populations.
Emerging evidence also appears to link periodontitis with nosocomial pulmonary infections, certain types of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
