Systemic Health & Periodontal Disease
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body, Healthy You
Rebuild your gum line with soft tissue augmentation.
Your mouth is the window to your body and health. Infection and inflammation in the mouth — like that caused by periodontal (gum) disease — can affect the health of your entire body.
At our Roswell and Midtown Atlanta offices, we’re committed to helping you achieve total systemic health. Our periodontal team is here to keep your gums healthy, reducing your risk of getting sick and improving your ability to fight off a virus.
Gum disease has been linked to health issues such as…
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Respiratory Disease
Cancer
Alzheimer’s
Obesity
Premature Birth
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fast Facts:
- 64.7 million Americans have gum disease
- 91% of people with cardiovascular disease also have periodontitis
- Periodontal disease can worsen conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Gum disease can correlate to diabetes
- Men with gum disease are more likely to develop cancer
The mouth-body connection
Our mouths are full of bacteria — some are harmless, and some are problematic. Without good oral hygiene, “bad bacteria” can cause serious issues in your mouth like tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Additionally, studies suggest that some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. You could have perfect brushing and flossing habits and still develop periodontitis!
Regardless of the cause, when you’re suffering from an oral health issue like periodontal disease, the “bad” bacteria and inflammation that’s present in your mouth leads to problems for the rest of your body.
There are 2 prominent theories on how this happens:
1. Immune system response
Gum disease can lower your body’s ability to fight off other infections and inflammation in the body. Some people have a particularly lower immune response to gum disease bacteria. Additionally, when fighting gum disease, your immune system releases a combination of enzymes and chemicals. Some researchers believe these chemicals can contribute to chronic issues like heart disease.
2. Oral bacteria, plaque and calculus infect other tissues
Gum disease bacteria can travel and infect other tissues, including your heart, liver, and gut. Oral bacteria has even been found in respiratory fluid cultures taken from nursing home patients with pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
Reducing your risk of COVID-19 and other viruses
Don’t let your oral health affect your ability to fight off a virus and stay healthy. With gum disease and periodontal concerns, the sooner we address the issue, the better.
We offer both surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy in Midtown Atlanta and Roswell. From prevention and diagnosis to repair and rejuvenation — our comprehensive services are meant to help you ensure total health.
Everyone was nice, professional and able to answer any questions I had. If you want people who are passionate and care about your wellbeing, look no further.
-Sabrina
Frequently asked questions about systemic health
What is systemic health?
Systemic health refers to the health of the body as a whole, including its organs, tissues, and systems. Maintaining good systemic health requires taking care of both your physical and mental well-being.
How does periodontal disease affect overall health?
Periodontal disease is a type of gum disease that can lead to inflammation, infection, and damage to the gums and bone that support the teeth. Research shows that left untreated, periodontal disease can contribute to a range of systemic health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
How can periodontal treatment improve overall health?
Treating periodontal disease can help reduce inflammation and infection in the mouth, which can have positive effects on overall health. By improving oral health, individuals may be able to reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases and improve their ability to fight off infections.
How can dental professionals promote systemic health?
At ACAP, we believe that oral health is intimately connected to overall health and well-being. As dental professionals, we recognize that our patients’ oral health is just one aspect of their overall health. That’s why we take a holistic approach to patient care that goes beyond just treating dental issues. We can help our patients achieve optimal health and wellness by promoting systemic health.
To promote systemic health, we provide preventive care, treat oral health issues, and educate our patients on healthy lifestyle habits. But we also understand the importance of collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians and mental health providers. By working together, we can provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of our patients’ health.
We believe that taking this approach is beneficial not only for our patients’ health but also for their overall quality of life. By promoting systemic health, we can help our patients feel their best and live their healthiest lives.
What are some lifestyle habits that promote systemic health?
Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress are all important ways to promote systemic health. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
How can individuals maintain good oral health?
Maintaining good oral health involves practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting us regularly for check-ups and cleanings. It also involves making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
Where can I find more resources about systemic health and keeping my gums healthy?
We have some great resources available on our blog! Check out our posts on the link between diabetes and periodontal disease and our tips for keeping your gums healthy.
More questions?
We’re here to help. Give us a call at (404) 876-4867 (Atlanta) or (770) 442-1010 (Roswell).
No Referral Necessary!
We’re always welcoming new patients and can’t wait to meet you.
Atlanta
Call (404) 876-4867
Text (404) 879-5343
Roswell
Call: (770) 442-1010
Text: (770) 742-6142
