The reason we have specialists for the various parts of our body is that there is no one size fits all when it comes to effective medical care. All the different parts of our body are linked, and problems in one area can cause a chain of ensuing effects that can really affect your physical and mental wellbeing.
One such example is the oral systemic link, which shows a cause and effect relationship between many systemic diseases and conditions. In simple terms, if you care about your overall health and would like to live a long and healthy life, paying attention to your periodontal health (the health of your gums) might be the best thing you can do.
How Does the Oral Systemic Link Affect Your Overall Health?
Numerous research studies claim that individuals with poor periodontal health suffer from an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Additionally, individuals with poor periodontal health end up with a lower quality of life as well. They often also experience functional limitations, psychological discomfort, and social disability.
The research shows that oral bacteria quickly find a way to other areas of the human body and at the same time spread any conditions that might be present in your mouth. Infection is quite a common example of that. Another one is inflammation.
Inflammation is a naturally-occurring process in the human body triggered by the presence of infection in the human body. Inflammation happens when white blood cells in the human body start working overtime to combat the bacteria and infection that is present, radiating heat in the process. Chronic inflammation harms the body and there is a close link between inflammation and conditions such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune disease.
The Role of Periodontal Disease in the Oral Systemic Link
Periodontal disease is a lifestyle-driven condition, as the majority of causes of periodontal issues have a link to our diet, sleep, exercise, and a range of other factors. The biggest factor that influences the occurrence of periodontal disease is smoking. If you are a smoker, it is highly likely that you will develop a gum condition sooner or later.
Additionally, lack of sleep, nutrition, and hygiene are three additional factors that play a major role in gum disease. In turn, periodontal disease spreads inflammation throughout the body and increases the likelihood of getting a chronic condition, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Science has identified a clear connection between different inflammatory conditions in the human body. One of the strongest connections is the triangular-link between periodontal disease, diabetes, and obesity. Each condition contributes to the severity of the other, increasing the negative effect on the overall health of the individual.
Similar links to other chronic conditions exist as well. A close link between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction is particularly alarming. Other conditions include stroke, asthma, and lung disease.
The Role of CRP in Chronic Inflammation
Individuals with chronic conditions, including periodontal disease, demonstrated increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). The liver produces CRP and it is a nonspecific marker that measures the inflammation levels in the human body. Therefore, it is essential to keep the CRP levels low throughout the body and minimize the risks associated with it.
Lowering the CRP levels connected to periodontal conditions plays a vital role in lowering the impact of periodontal diseases on the rest of the body. That can be achieved through periodontal therapy which treats the underlying condition, as well as making changes to diet and hygiene.
Our mouths and bodies are not separate entities and we have to treat them accordingly. Since the mouth can act as a source of pathology for the rest of the body, it is vital to keep it healthy and reduce the likelihood of periodontal disease. By improving the condition of one part of the body, the positive effects of that will have a rolling positive effect on any other chronic conditions you might be at risk of.
If you would like to stay on top of your oral health and keep periodontal diseases at bay, feel free to schedule an appointment with our team. Let Dr. Wentz guide you and see how the LANAP procedure can help you regain your dental health and improve your overall health in the process. For more information, feel free to contact us today at (806) 794-8365 and schedule your appointment.
