Lowering Triglycerides Reduces Risk of Periodontal Disease

Dentists have a long list of reasons why sugary foods and a lack of oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, an inflammation of the gums.  Now, however, they have good reason to believe that overall general health could play a significant role, as a link between an overabundance of triglycerides and periodontal disease has been made. 

The connection between triglycerides and periodontal disease was discovered as a result of dentists realizing that over 15 per cent of those with type 1 or 2 diabetes developed periodontal disease.  And diabetes is associated with high levels of triglycerides.  Even those without diabetes but with high levels of triglycerides were more likely to develop periodontal disease. 

So what are triglycerides?  Triglycerides are the chemical forms of fat found in food, and the primary source of stored fat in the bloodstream.  High levels of triglycerides are an indication that fat stores are resistant to insulin and are being produced in the liver from excess sugars, not from stored fat. The result is a high blood-sugar level, and an almost direct connection between triglycerides and periodontal disease. 

Fortunately, lowering triglyceride levels is as easy as a few simple changes to one’s diet. The main dietary change of which would be to cut down or completely cut out all simple sugars and grains.  White sugar and white wheat quickly metabolize in the body, producing high levels of insulin and blood sugar in the body. Replacing a white dinner role with a green salad will reduce triglyceride levels and the risk of developing periodontal disease. 

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease, and in it’s later stages, it can result in the loss of teeth. Periodontal disease cures vary, as the term "periodontal disease" encompasses several oral conditions. Periodontal disease cures are possible in the early to moderate stages of the disease.

Bacterial inflammation of the gums, which is known as "gingivitis", can be reversed by a consistent at-home oral care routine that is supervised by a dentist. Patients with bacterial infections that have advanced into moderate "periodontitis" will need a combination of dental procedures, antibiotics, and at-home oral care to stop the progress of the disease.

Scaling and Root Planning is a non-surgical procedure. A dentist cleans the surfaces of the roots of the teeth to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar. At the same time, the dentist removes any diseased soft tissue.

If a patient has deep gingival pockets, a Pocket Depth Reduction may be required. This is also known as flap surgery. During this surgical procedure, a dentist folds back infected areas of the gums to remove harmful tartar deposits.

If the gums are very damaged, or if the bone that supports your teeth has been destroyed, a dentist may suggest a tissue regeneration procedure. During this procedure, damaged tissue is removed from the gums, and healthy tissue from the patient’s palate is is grafted into the damaged areas.

It is common for a dentist to prescribe antibiotics to patients with periodontitis during and after surgical and non-surgical procedures. These drugs help to lower bacterial levels often reducing the need for certain procedures. Antibiotics are either taken orally, or inserted directly into gingival pockets to fight the infection at it’s origin. 

The Connection Between Periodontal Disease And Pregnancy

Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth develops into an excessive amount of plaque and tartar on the teeth, attacking the gums, and causing the teeth to separate from them, by destruction of the connective tissues. Recently, periodontal disease and pregnancy have been linked.

Premature birth is the largest obstetric problem in the United States. Studies have shown that women with periodontal disease can be seven times more likely to deliver a premature baby.

The likely connection between periodontal disease and pregnancy is the increase in the production of hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen. As these hormone levels increase, the presence of the oral bacteria prostaglandin increases in the mouth. Pregnant women with advanced periodontal disease have very high levels of Prostaglandin. This bacteria seems to boost the production of labor-inducing fluids in the body.

The connection between periodontal disease and pregnancy highlights the importance of oral care for expecting mothers, and women planning to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest a cleaning procedure where the surfaces of the roots of the teeth are cleaned to remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar. This procedure is known as root scaling and planning. It is common, safe for pregnant women, and non-surgical.

If you are planning a pregnancy, protect against periodontal disease with a good oral care routine. Brush the teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, and see a dentist for a routine check-up and cleaning, once every six months.