1. Cardiovascular disease: Studies (including the S3 guideline "Treatment of Stage I–III Periodontitis" by DG PARO/DGZMK 2020, and the EFP/WHF consensus 2020) show that periodontitis can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and, as a result, of heart attack and stroke. Inflammation in the mouth promotes inflammation in the blood vessels, leading to narrowing and deposits. It is thought that bacteria released into the bloodstream attack the vessel walls, contributing to plaque formation and arterial stiffening.
2. Diabetes: There is a two-way relationship between periodontitis and diabetes. People with poorly controlled diabetes have an increased risk of periodontitis, as high blood sugar levels weaken the immune system and thereby reduce the body's defences in the mouth. Conversely, existing periodontitis can further raise blood sugar levels and make diabetes more difficult to control.
3. Respiratory conditions: Patients with periodontitis face an increased risk of bacteria present in the oral cavity reaching the lungs. This can lead to infections such as pneumonia, or to the worsening of chronic conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Older people and people with reduced lung function are particularly at risk.
4. Rheumatoid arthritis: Chronic inflammation in the body, of the kind seen in periodontitis, can worsen inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. There is evidence that the bacterial pathogens involved in periodontitis also play a role in triggering and worsening this condition.
5. Pregnancy complications: Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight. The systemic inflammatory response triggered by periodontitis can also negatively affect the course of a pregnancy and increase the risk of pre-eclampsia.
Timely, consistent treatment of periodontitis can reduce many of these systemic risks. Close collaboration between dentists and GPs is especially important here, to safeguard the patient's overall wellbeing.
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Briefly explained – from our practice
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