/EINPresswire.com/ OTTAWA, ONTARIO – A large amount of interest has been shown regarding ongoing research that focuses on the relationship of periodontal disease and disorders elsewhere in the body.
Periodontics Report published new findings last month that examine the relationship between periodontal disease and oral health to rheumatoid arthritis, gastric precancerous lesions, chronic kidney disease and osteoporosis.
“Researchers have said for many years that the mouth is the window to the body, which implies that people who do not take care of themselves are not healthy without good oral health,” said dentist in Ottawa Dr. Pamela Li. “This study examines this theory.”
Rheumatoid Arthritis
66 RA patients’ periodontal status was evaluated and of those, 28 percent of them had poor oral health, yet the severity of RA did not connect to the severity of the periodontal disease.
Gastric Precancerous Lesions
The connection between poor oral health as a risk for gastric cancer was found long ago. The reason for this is the prevalence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque. This bacteria is an organism that is associated with gastric pathology, which dental plaque can be a reservoir for. Of the 91 patients who had gastrointestinal biopsies taken, 28 of them demonstrated precancerous gastric lesions.
Chronic kidney disease
This is a general term for disorders of the kidney. It has been known that periodontal disease is a risk factor for CKD. 66 patients with periodontal disease were evaluated and the results were: 19 did not have CKD, 25 had CKD and 22 had CKD and needed dialysis. Patients with progressive CKD had increased severity of periodontal disease.
Osteoporosis
Periodontal disease generally affects older women, and is distinguished by bone loss and ultimately tooth loss. 404 postmenopausal women were examined for five years. There was a correlation between loss of bone density and the number of teeth lost.
“This study only further highlights the importance of knowing patient’s medical histories,” said Li who offers dentures in Ottawa and dental crown procedures at her Ottawa dental clinic. “Knowing this we can implement preventative measures to stop the progression of periodontal disease.”
Learn More
To find a dentist in Ottawa or learn more about Dr. Li, visit www.drpamelali.com or call (613) 232-0550.
About Dr. Pamela Li
Ottawa, ON dentist Dr. Pamela Li provides an array of dental services that meet dental needs all in one convenient location. Dr. Li also treats patients for headaches and TMJ problems.
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