General health risks

Conditions of the teeth and periodontium have an influence on certain general conditions, and vice versa. So, good dental hygiene is not only important for keeping teeth and gums healthy; it also prevents certain secondary pathologies. Untreated decay can lead to infection at the end of the tooth roots, gingivitis can degenerate into periodontitis. Bacteria from these sites of infection can be transported by the blood to different organs (e.g. the heart and joints) and develop serious diseases there (e.g. endocarditis or rheumatoid arthritis). Studies also prove that periodontitis is a high risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The interaction between diabetes and periodontitis has long been known. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to periodontitis, because too high blood sugar levels can promote infection processes. Conversely, periodontitis also harms the good health of diabetics, as inflammation prevents the proper assimilation of glucose via insulin.