Periodontal disease not only causes tooth loss - researchers have also linked it to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and premature birth. Conversely, researchers are making the connection that these diseases can make an individual more susceptible to periodontal disease.

Researchers at the U of M and several other medical centres, led by the University's Bryan Michalowicz, are involved in a major study of more than 800 pregnant women with periodontal disease to find out if they are more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies. The researchers want to find out if treating expectant mothers with gum disease will reduce the incidence of premature births.

When your mouth and teeth are disease-free, your risks for developing other diseases throughout your life may be reduced. You can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing every day, limiting between-meal snacks and seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly. Good oral hygiene will keep bacteria in the mouth at relatively low levels, preventing the build-up that leads to disease.

Another way to prevent periodontal disease is by not smoking. Cigarette, cigar, and pipe-smoking harm oral health as well as overall health.

The link between oral health and the body’s overall health underscores the need for dental-medical teamwork in preventing and treating disease. A dentist is much more than just a “tooth doctor”; he or she is an integral part of a patient’s health-care team.

This extract was written by Larry Wolff, Ph.D., D.D.S. (Dec 20, 2005) University of Minnesota - Health Talk & You.