What links exist between periodontal disease and certain systemic diseases?
Today, we know more about the role that periodontal inflammation has as a risk factor in systemic disorders, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, as well as premature childbirth. Patients with diabetes (especially if the diabetes is uncontrolled), are at a higher risk for periodontal disease, and periodontal disease can worsen the diabetic situation. Additionally, recent observational studies have indicated that people with destructive periodontal disease may be 1.3 to 2 times more likely to have cardiovascular disease. Lastly, several studies in the past decade have demonstrated that women with periodontal disease, and who are pregnant, are at a higher risk of having a premature birth. Therefore, women who are pregnant should be evaluated periodontally.
