Is there any truth to a connection between dental health and medical conditions?
Many studies over the last five years have shown a correlation between periodontal (gum) disease and a number of medical issues including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pancreatic cancer and even, through more questionable, low birth weight babies. Most recently studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine have shown what appears to be a link between moderate to advance periodontal disease and arteriosclerosis the process that leads to the blockage of blood vessels in diseases like stroke and heart attack. As more information comes forward and is analyzed it appears that the by products from periodontal disease infections will indeed have an impact, as yet undetermined, on a number of systemic illnesses. Our best advice is consistent, routine periodontal care to prevent periodontal disease and aggressive treatment of moderate to advanced periodontal disease to prevent any possible systemic disease connection. As with everything else in medicine, prevention is always easie
