Inflammation May Link Gum Disease And Other Illnesses (NAPSA)—Doctors may soon have another weapon against some serious conditions. Several research studies have suggested a potential association between gum disease and other health issues including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. One theory points to chronic inflammation as the culprit. Inflammation is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury or shield against irritation. Inflammation is often characterized by swelling, redness, heat and pain around the affected area. While inflammation is supposed to help heal the body, over time, chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the infected tissues and therefore more severe health complications. According to Dr. Susan Karabin, president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and a practicing periodontist, periodontal disease is a classic example of an inflammatory disorder. “For many years, dental professionals believed that gum disease was solely the result of a bacterial infection caused by a buildup of plaque between the teeth and under the gums. While plaque accumulationis still a factor in the development and progression of gum disease, researchers now suspect that the more severe symptoms—namely swollen, bleeding gums; recession around the gum line; and loss of the bone that holds the teeth in place—may be caused by the chronic inflammatory response to the bacterial infection, rather than the bacteria itself.” Scientists hypothesize that this may be behind the link between Warning Signs For Gum Disease: Red, swollen or tender gums Bleeding around the gum line when flossing or brushing Loose or separating teeth Persistent bad breath For more information, visit www.perio.org. @ periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheuma- toid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and even certain forms of cancer, suggesting that inflamma- tion itself may be the basis for the connection. “More research is needed to pinpoint the precise biological mechanisms responsible for the relationship between gum disease and other disease states,” says Dr. Karabin. “However, previous findings haveindicated that gum disease sufferers are at a higher risk for other diseases, making it more critical than ever to maintain periodontal health in order to achieve overall health.” Dr. Karabin recommends comprehensive daily oral care, including regular brushing and flossing and routine visits to the dentist, to avoid gum disease. If gum disease develops, a consultation with a dental professional, such as a periodontist, can lead to effective treatment. A periodontist is a dentist with three years of additional specialized training in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. For more information on the role of inflammation in oral health, tips on how to prevent or treat gum disease, to find out if you are at risk or to find a periodontist, visit www.perio.org.
