The connection of periodontal disease and overall health has actually been “known” for 100’s of years, but now the research is starting to support that claim. Finally, the health connection has been made…the most significant movement in the history of dentistry is here and it is gaining momentum…it is long overdue!

Periodontal disease has now been linked with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer. The list of serious health complications associated with periodontal disease is growing and the studies surrounding these findings has been given priority in recent years. The mouth afflicted with periodontal disease is full of ulcerations (periodontal pockets), and is an easy “breeding ground” for opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, which then enter the blood stream and infect other areas of the body, setting off a dangerous chronic inflammatory response in the body. These toxic bacteria have been found in the arteries of heart attack and stroke victims, and have also been found in the placenta.

The goal at PerioPeak Innovations is not only to eliminate the periodontal pockets harboring dangerous bacteria, but also to stop the chronic inflammation associated with gum disease and other serious health problems. We take a complete “cause and effect” approach which addresses all the health issues associated with periodontal disease. We successfully treat the source of the disease, not just the effect.

This insidious disease of chronic infection and inflammation should not be ignored. We can no longer take a “head in the sand” approach to periodontal disease.

Unfortunately for the person with periodontal disease, it is for the most part a painless condition, therefore it may not be discovered early enough so periodontal surgery and/or extractions may be indicated. Undiagnosed periodontal infection festering beneath the gums wreaks havoc in overall health, elevating the inflammatory mediator response, and setting off a cascade of dangerous problems.

Below are links with recent information and studies about the connection between periodontal disease and overall health:

• December 2005 - Readers Digest - “How your dentist can save your life“
• January 2006 - ADA/Colgate Begin “Oral Systemic Education Campaign“
• January 2006 - CIGNA begins “Dental Oral Health Maternity Program“
• January 2006 - Canada Begins “Just Say Gingivitis” Program“
• February 2006 - “First Joint ADA-AMA Conference“
• March 2006 - Consumer Articles Increase - “Save Your Smile and Health“
• March 2006 - Aetna-Columbia U. Research- periodontal care appears to have a positive effect on the cost of medical care, with earlier treatment resulting in lower medical costs for members with diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke.

It’s important to ask questions about the current condition of your gum health…it’s more important than we ever realized.