Effects
on New Born Babies And More
|
|
DIABETES :
People
with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal
disease than people without diabetes, probably
because diabetics are more susceptible to
contracting infections. In fact, periodontal
disease is often considered the sixth
complication of diabetes.
Those
people who don't have their diabetes under
control are especially at risk. A study in the November
1999 issue of the Journal of Periodontology
found
that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients
are more likely to develop periodontal disease
than well-controlled diabetics are.
Research
has emerged that suggests that the relationship
between periodontal disease and diabetes goes
both ways - periodontal disease may make it more
difficult for people who have diabetes to control
their blood sugar.
Severe
periodontal disease can increase blood sugar,
contributing to increased periods of time when
the body functions with a high blood sugar. This
puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic
complications. Thus, diabetics who have
periodontal disease should be treated to
eliminate the periodontal infection.
This
recommendation is supported by a study reported in the Journal
of Periodontology in 1997 involving 113 Pima
Indians with both diabetes and periodontal
disease. The study found that when their
periodontal infections were treated, the
management of their diabetes markedly improved.
PREGNANCIES
:
For
a long time we've known that risk factors such as
smoking, alcohol use, and drug use contribute to
mothers having babies that are born prematurely
at a low birth weight.
Now
evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk
factor oral infections. For example
pregnant women who have periodontal disease ( a
gum and bone infection ) may be seven times more
likely to have a baby that is born too early and
too small. Recent studies also show that pregnant
women with periodontal disease are more likely to
suffer from pre-eclampsia ( hypertension and high
protein levels in urine ).
More
research is needed to confirm how periodontal
disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. It appears
that periodontal disease triggers increased
levels of biological fluids that induce labor.
Furthermore, data suggests that women whose
periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy
have an even higher risk of having a premature
baby.
All
infections are cause for concern among pregnant
women because they pose a risk to the health of
the baby. Dr. Imbeau recommends that women
considering pregnancy have a dental evaluation.
|