Periodontal disease

For many years, the worse scenario from periodontal disease was loss of teeth.  In the past 18 years or so, attention has focused on systemic effects of periodontal disease and the impact of periodontal inflammation elsewhere in the body. However, new emerging research is clearly showing a link between the extent and severity of periodontal disease as a risk factor for many systemic diseases. The two conditions most frequently cited for which periodontal disease is a significant risk factor are coronary heart diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, despite publicity and early education by dental team staff, many patients are still ignorant of the serious health risks, such as heart disease, associated with poor oral care practices.

This article will look at the latest research news around heart disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes and the link to periodontal disease, plus the urgent need to get patients adhering to more thorough, daily oral care regimes.