There is a lot of research to connect periodontal disease with systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and blood cell disorders. Periodontal disease has also been linked with low birth rate, metabolic syndrome (precursor to diabetes)respiratory disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, pancreatic cancer, renal diseases and chronic kidney disease. There are indirect findings suggesting an association with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Although we can’t say that periodontal disease causes the above conditions, or that these diseases cause periodontitis, we do know that a link exists. It just underlines the importance of preventing and/or treating periodontal disease.
If you need surgery your physician may want you to take care of your gum disease before having the surgery.
Articles on these findings are available in our office. Please ask Mary Lee or Pam for a copy of the subject in which you’re interested.