In addition, only 5 percent of participants reported a history of abnormal cholesterol, while 56 percent tested positive for exceptionally high values, putting them at greater risk for strokes and heart attacks. From a dental practitioner's standpoint, these findings also mean that we may not always be made aware of what we're up against. Undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes can have a profound impact on oral health and can greatly affect treatment procedures and outcomes. A two-way relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes exists. Diabetics are more likely to develop infections like periodontal disease, and periodontal disease makes it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.
Research also points to a link between periodontal disease and heart disease.
People with periodontal disease may be almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. The findings also point out one more reason for increased collaboration between the dental and medical communities. The study cites a need for dental professionals to emphasize to patients the importance of routine physical examinations and preventative care. The AAP is a 7,000-member organization of dentists specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tissues surrounding the teeth and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontics is one of eight specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.