Health problems linked to periodontal disease – part 2

Here are some more of the general health consequences an untreated bad bite can lead to as the cause of gum and/or periodontal disease.

Pregnant women that have periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have a baby that is born prematurely or too small. Physicians ponder over the possible relationship between premature births and low birth weight babies with periodontal disease in the mother. The reasoning is that toxins given off by the bacteria have a bad effect on the baby and might trigger premature birth.

S. mutans is a bacteria that lives in the dental plaque. It is known that it causes cavities and churns out acids that erode teeth. Sometimes S. mutans can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart halves causing dangerous endocarditis. Straight teeth collect less dental plaque.

Lastly, a study from Sweden concluded that exposure to inflammation early in life increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by a fourfold factor. One of the major sources of infections detected by this study was periodontal disease.

In conclusion, while we can’t say that straight teeth and good oral health can prevent certain types of cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, we can say that the constant inflammation resulting from the association between crooked teeth and periodontal disease may lead to severe consequences later in life.