Untreated periodontitis: A hidden threat to your heart and lungs

Scientific research has long since confirmed that taking care of oral health is much more than preventing caries and periodontitis – it is a key contribution to the health of the entire organism. The mouth is the gateway to health or illness, and you decide what enters. By taking regular care of your oral health today, you not only ensure a healthy smile, but also actively prevent the development of chronic diseases that can seriously impair your future quality of life.

Periodontitis has far-reaching consequences

After caries, periodontitis is the most common disease of the oral cavity. It is a chronic inflammation of the gingiva and the dental supportive structure, which begins with the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer of food residues, saliva and bacteria that forms on the teeth and, if not removed by regular oral hygiene, it mineralises over time and turns into tartar. Tartar irritates the gums, leading to inflammation known as gingivitis.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. The gums then recede, creating so-called pockets between the teeth and gums, ideal places for bacteria to multiply. These pockets become foci for infection that can cause bone breakdown and, ultimately, tooth loss. However, the consequences of periodontitis do not stop at the oral cavity – its effects can be far-reaching and seriously impair overall health.

The link between oral health and chronic diseases

In recent decades, numerous studies have confirmed the strong link between oral health and chronic diseases. Although periodontitis is primarily a disease of the oral cavity, its systemic effects extend to the entire organism, increasing the risk of numerous serious health conditions.

1. Cardiovascular diseases

The link between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases is firmly established – research shows that people with periodontitis have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Scientists suggest that inflammation caused by periodontitis can exacerbate cardiovascular problems. Also, treatment of periodontal disease can reduce inflammatory markers and endothelial cell function, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Shocking data shows that people with less than ten teeth have a seven times greater risk of dying from coronary heart disease than those with more than 25 teeth.

2. Diabetes

Periodontitis and diabetes have a two-way connection. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from periodontitis, especially if the diabetes is not under control. On the other hand, periodontitis worsens systemic inflammation, making it difficult to regulate blood sugar levels. Untreated periodontitis can increase the level of HbA1c, a key indicator of diabetes control.

“Periodontitis can reduce the effectiveness of insulin, making diabetes management much more difficult,” points out dr. Trampuš from the Ortoimplant DENTAL SPA, stating that the proper treatment of periodontitis can improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications.

3. Respiratory diseases

Bacteria from the oral cavity can be transferred to the respiratory tract, causing or worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma, pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This risk is especially pronounced in the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, since bacteria from the oral cavity increase the risk of pneumonia.

Maintaining oral health is therefore also essential for the prevention of respiratory infections.

4. Complications in pregnancy

Oral health plays a key role during pregnancy. Untreated periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight of the child. Inflammation and bacteria from the oral cavity can trigger systemic inflammation that negatively affects the development of the foetus, and regular dental examinations in the first trimester help pregnant women prevent these complications.

5. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis share a common foundation – chronic inflammation. Research shows that people with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to suffer from periodontitis and vice versa. It is believed that inflammatory processes in the mouth can worsen the symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain and stiffness.

“Treatment of periodontitis can alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and generally improve the quality of life of patients,” dr. Trampuš emphasises.

6. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bone loss, can also have a negative impact on the jaw bones that support the teeth. Periodontitis further worsens this process, increasing the risk of tooth loss.

Research has shown that there is a clear connection between loss of bone density and periodontal diseases, especially in postmenopausal women.

7. Impact on the quality of life

“Oral problems are not only physical challenges – they deeply affect emotional and social well-being,” says dr. Trampuš.

Namely, the health of the oral cavity directly affects the quality of everyday life. Problems with the teeth and gums can make it difficult to chew and speak, reduce the enjoyment of food and impair self-confidence. Bad breath or tooth loss often lead to social isolation, which can lead to depression and reduced life satisfaction.

Consequences of neglecting oral health

Oral health and general body health are inextricably linked. Regular care of the oral cavity not only means preventing toothache or caries, but also ensures effective protection against numerous serious diseases. Neglecting oral hygiene and avoiding regular dental examinations can have far-reaching consequences.

“Although dentists invest great efforts in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis, patients often come to our clinic with advanced inflammation. Some people lose their teeth and even their jawbone,” says dr. Trampuš, DDS.

However, modern dentistry has developed solutions that allow every patient, regardless of the state of the oral cavity, to have functional and aesthetically attractive teeth. “Today anyone can get their teeth fixed, regardless of the severity of the case,” says the doctor.

Innovative solutions for the most difficult cases

All-on-4 stands out as the most effective method, which has been the gold standard for restoring a healthy smile for years. This method makes it possible to place an entire fixed dental arch on only four implants, providing patients with a stable, permanent and aesthetically perfect solution.

“For patients with severe jawbone loss, we apply the Zygoma All-on-4 method,” dr. Trampuš explains. This technique uses longer implants that are inserted into the zygomatic bone, which ensures the necessary stability even in the most complex cases.

All-on-4 and Zygoma All-on-4

In addition to the methods already mentioned, modern dentistry also offers other advanced implant solutions such as pterygoid and subperiosteal implants. “All these methods represent the pinnacle of dental innovation and allow us to successfully solve even the most difficult cases,” dr. Trampuš emphasised.

“My 15 years of experience with the application of the All-on-4 method and 10 years with the Zygoma All-on-4 method confirms the effectiveness of these solutions,” he added. Thanks to these techniques, patients with the most complex dental problems can once again enjoy functional and aesthetically perfect teeth.

In conclusion, dr. Trampuš emphasises: “In our clinic, there are no unsolvable problems. With modern methods and an expert team, we restore a functional and healthy smile to every patient.”

Therefore, do not wait for periodontitis to damage your health – take steps today to preserve your smile and overall health and sign up for your first free check-up at the Ortoimplant DENTAL SPA clinic!

Tips for maintaining oral health

Prevention is the key and regular oral hygiene and dental visits can prevent most problems. Here are some tips that could help you along the way:

• Brush your teeth two to three times a day using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Replace the brush every three months or as soon as you notice that the fibres are damaged.
• Use floss and interdental brushes to remove food debris from the space between your teeth.
• Visit the dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning.
• Adjust your diet: Avoid sugar and eat more foods that naturally clean the teeth, such as apples and carrots.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk of oral and systemic diseases.
• Use antibacterial mouthwashes to further reduce the number of bacteria and freshen your breath.