Gum Disease, Increased Risk Heart and Auto-Immune Diseases

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Published in The Academy of Periodontology

Over the last ten years, I have seen a dramatic increase in the number of patients with auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, MS, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Crohn’s disease. They are all inflammatory-driven disorders. After twenty-five years of medical research, it is now clear that gum disease is an inflammatory disorder that spreads via the bloodstream and can seed itself in other organs. According to The Academy of Periodontology, It is associated with and increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes—all of which are associated with morbidity, mortality, and economic burden.”

The tooth cleanings at my office include a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. This is truly a holistic way to lower the risk of systemic disease.