Studies consider link between periodontal bacteria, other systemic conditions

CHICAGO--Two new studies in the Journal of Periodontology explore the possible link between periodontal bacteria and coronary artery disease as well as periodontal bacteria and preeclampsia.

These studies found that periodontal bacteria, which are often invisible to the naked eye, may account for big effects on general health conditions.

Periodontal bacteria have often been thought to play a role in many of the possible connections between oral health and overall health. Two of the studies in this month's issue of the JOP further the understanding of these potential connections.

One study looked at patients who had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease and examined the bacteria found in their arteries. They were able to identify periodontal pathogens in the coronary and internal mammary arteries in nine of 15 of the patients examined.

A second study looked at women who had suffered from preeclampsia during their pregnancy, a condition characterized by an abrupt rise in blood pressure that affects about 5 percent of pregnancies. The study found that 50 percent of the placentas from women with preeclampsia were positive for one or more periodontal pathogens.

This was compared to just 14.3 percent in the control group. Both of these studies support the concept that periodontal organisms might be associated with the development of other systemic conditions such as coronary artery disease and preeclampsia.

"These studies are just a few in the growing body of evidence on the mouth-body connection. More research is needed to fully understand how periodontal bacteria travels from the mouth to other parts of the body as well as the exact role it has in the development of these systemic diseases," said Preston D. Miller Jr., DDS, and president of the American Academy of Periodontology.

"In the meantime it is important for physicians, dental professionals and patients alike to monitor the research in this area as it continues to grow so they can better work together to achieve the highest levels of overall health."

To find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases, visit the AAP's Web site at American Association of Periodontology and take a free risk assessment test.

For a referral to a periodontist and a copy of the free brochures titled "Periodontal Diseases: What You Need to Know," call toll-free at 800/FLOSS-EM (800) 356-7736.