Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health
Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways - People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes. Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Heart Disease
Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.
Stroke
Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke.
Gum Disease and Other Systemic Diseases
Respiratory Disease
Research has found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease.
Cancer
Researchers found that men with gum disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.