By David Pittman
david.pittman@amarillo.com ...People with gum disease have an increased risk of diabetes, pneumonia and heart disease, according to area dentists and the American Dental Association. Pregnant women with gum disease also have increased risk for premature births. ...
...But infections wreak havoc on other cells in the body, one kind being insulin-producing cells and can lead to diabetes...
...The Journal of the American Dental Association undertook a study last year that proved the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes, pneumonia, heart disease and premature births.
"Treatment of periodontal disease and reduction of oral inflammation may have a positive effect on the diabetic condition, although evidence for this remains somewhat equivocal," read the article written by Dr. Brian Mealey, periodontist department director at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio...
..."Everything in the body is interrelated," Amarillo dentist Tom Carr said. "The relationships are more interrelated now than we thought a few years ago."...
"I cannot say that you are healthy if you have periodontal diseases," Plata said. "I believe the mouth is the gateway to your health."
Full article:
http://www.amarillo.com/stories/081807/new_8224248.shtml
