This condition causes the blood vessels to narrow especially in the extremities. If gangrene or retinitis occur due to this narrowing of the blood vessels, limbs may need to be amputated and blindness can occur. This reduction allows for an improvement in the overall diabetic condition. As you have heard, we are learning about the role of periodontal disease as it relates to cardiovascular conditions. Periodontitis is related to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis is caused by the adherence of platelets to the arterial walls.
These platelet buildups are called plaques and can lead to heart disease and strokes. The bacteria Heliobacter pylorri has fairly recently been implicated in causing stomach ulcers. It has also been discovered that Heliobacter pylorri is present in plaque buildup in the mouth. This may be a reservoir or seeding place for Heliobacter pylorri in the stomach. By practicing good oral hygiene and keeping the mouth as free of plaque as possible, one may not only help prevent cavities and periodontal disease, but one may also help decrease the chance of developing a stomach ulcer.