Research has long theorized a link between periodontal disease and other health conditions (diabetes and heart disease). Now research suggests that inflammation may be the cause of this mouth-body-connection.
Inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, heat and pain. It is the body’s natural protective response to infection, injury or irritation. While initial inflammation serves a healing purpose, acute inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the infected tissues and thus, more serious health conditions.
Researchers theorize that while the accumulation of plaque is still a factor in the development and advancement of periodontal disease, other severe symptoms, such as bleeding and swollen gums may occur because of the body’s chronic inflammatory response to the bacterial infection.
Periodontists theorize that inflammation may explain the periodontal-systemic health connection; as many of the diseases commonly affiliated with gum disease are also regarded as systemic inflammatory ailments, like diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
Please inform Dr. Rosenfeld or Dr. Mandelaris of any health conditions you may have.
Click here for more information on the relationship between inflammation and periodontal disease from the American Academy of Periodontology.