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    • When to See a Periodontist?
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  • Dental Implants
    • Dental Implants
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    • Dentures vs. Dental Implants
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      • Guide to Eating After Dental Implants
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      • How Dental Implants Work: The Benefits
  • Procedures
    • Cleanings & Prevention
      • Overview
      • Dental Exams & Cleanings
      • Digital X-Rays
      • Fluoride Treatment
      • Home Dental Care
      • How to Properly Brush & Floss
      • i-CAT® 3D Imaging
      • Oral Hygiene Aids
      • Panoramic X-Rays
    • Periodontal Disease
      • Periodontal Disease Overview
      • Periodontal Disease
      • Mouth – Body Connection
      • Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
      • Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease, and Stroke
      • Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy
      • Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis
      • Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
    • Periodontics
      • Periodontist
      • Bone Grafting
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments
      • Gum Grafting
      • Gum Recession
      • Oral Pathology
      • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
      • Impacted Canines
      • Simple Tooth Extractions
      • Antibiotic Treatment
      • Bruxism
      • Oral Cancer Exam
      • Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing
      • Pocket Irrigation
      • Pocket Reduction Surgery
      • Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
      • Regenerative Procedures
      • Ridge Modification
      • Root Amputation
      • Sinus Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Gum Disease Treatment
    • Dental Anxiety and Fear
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • All Procedures
  • Gallery
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Mouth – Body Connection in Charlotte, NC

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Health Issues associated with Periodontal Disease

Research studies have shown that there is a strong association between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and respiratory disease.

Periodontal disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gum tissue, periodontal infection below the gum line and the presence of disease-causing bacteria in the oral region. Halting the progression of periodontal disease and maintaining excellent standards of oral hygiene will not only reduce the risk of gum disease and bone loss but also reduce the chances of developing other serious illnesses.

Common cofactors associated with periodontal disease:

  • Diabetes

    A research study has shown that individuals with pre-existing diabetic conditions are more likely to either have, or be more susceptible to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can increase blood sugar levels which makes controlling the amount of glucose in the blood difficult. This factor alone can increase the risk of serious diabetic complications. Conversely, diabetes thickens blood vessels and therefore makes it harder for the mouth to rid itself of excess sugar. Excess sugar in the mouth creates a breeding ground for the types of oral bacteria that cause gum disease.

  • Heart Disease

    There are several theories which explain the link between heart disease and periodontitis. One such theory is that the oral bacteria strains which exacerbate periodontal disease attach themselves to the coronary arteries when they enter the bloodstream. This in turn contributes to both blood clot formation and the narrowing of the coronary arteries, possibly leading to a heart attack.

    A second possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease causes a significant plaque build up. This can swell the arteries and worsen pre-existing heart conditions. An article published by the American Academy of Periodontology suggests that patients whose bodies react to periodontal bacteria have an increased risk of developing heart disease.

  • Pregnancy Complications

    Women in general are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease because of hormone fluctuations that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Research suggests that pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease are more at risk of preeclampsia and delivering underweight, premature babies.

    Periodontitis increases levels of prostaglandin, which is one of the labor-inducing chemicals. Elevated levels prostaglandin may trigger premature labor, and increase the chances of delivering an underweight baby. Periodontal disease also elevates C-reactive proteins (which have previously been linked to heart disease). Heightened levels of these proteins can amplify the inflammatory response of the body and increase the chances of preeclampsia and low birth weight babies.

  • Respiratory Disease

    Oral bacterium linked with gum disease has been shown to possibly cause or worsen conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Oral bacteria can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract during the course of normal inhalation and colonize, causing bacterial infections. Studies have shown that the repeated infections which characterize COPD may be linked with periodontitis.

    In addition to the bacterial risk, inflammation in gum tissue can lead to severe inflammation in the lining of the lungs, which aggravates pneumonia. Individuals who suffer from chronic or persistent respiratory issues generally have low immunity. This means that bacteria can readily colonize beneath the gum line unchallenged by body’s immune system.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease and the mouth-body connection, please contact our office. We care about your overall health and your smile!

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About Dr. Ficca

Dr. Matthew Ficca is a board-certified periodontist and one of the most respected practitioners in the Charlotte area.

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Specializing in Dental Implants and Periodontal Health in Charlotte, NC

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At Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Ficca specializes in the placement of dental implants and the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. He is board-certified by the American Board of Periodontology and provides a standard of excellence in personalized dental care that allows him to provide some of the best quality dental services his patients deserve.

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