How does periodontal disease act to influence the development of other more serious conditions?
We know that the bacteria from periodontal disease get into the bloodstream. The mouth is actually the portal to the body and these bacteria can act in many different ways to influence the disease process. While the exact mechanisms for their influence are unknown, there are many fascinating theories. Below are some of the possibile explanations. For more information and to access scientific articles directly, go to www.perio.org, the website for the American Academy of Periodontology. Heart disease, stroke, Alzheimers – Periodontal bacteria may attach to fatty plaques in arteries and contribute to clot formation. The diseases listed above all have an association with plaque, with thickening walls of arteries restricting blood flow. Periodontal bacteria may also be related to inflammation, which can increase plaque buildup and lead to swelling of the arteries. Respiratory disease Periodontal bacteria have been found in the lungs of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It
