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| about periodontal disease |
| In this column, we will reply to questions about periodontal disease, monthly. We hope you can learn correctly what periodontal disease in connection with your health is, and refer to it for your life. |
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| The 4th time basic knowledge
of gum disease |
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Q1:How
does gum disease relate to systemic disease?
A1:
Periodontal diseases advance as the host
immune systems overact against the pathogenic
bacteria at the gum area. Usually the
immune response is incorporated to defend
the body from the bacterial invasion.
However, continual irritation of gum and
bone supporting the teeth caused by periodontal
bacteria results in the accumulation of
enzymes and cytokines generated by macrophage
and lymphocytes within the supporting
tissues of the teeth. These enzymes act
to disconnect and dissolve the supporting
tissues such as collagen fibers, etc.
Cytokine generated here is called proinflammatory
cytokine. Among them are IL-1, IL-6, IL-8
and TNF-α. They are proteins with
a variety of bioactivities, and are related
to the development of inflammation and
the destruction of alveolar bone. These
substances sometimes give adverse effect
on serious health conditions through the
circulation of blood.
Inflammatory cytokines generated in the
local area not only give harmful effect
on the periodontal conditions but also
give negative impact on systemic health
conditions by traveling throughout the
body through blood stream.
Recent studies state that diabetes, cardiovascular
diseases, stroke, and adverse pregnancy
outcomes such as low-birth weight and
premature birth are diseases that are
associated with periodontitis. Linkage
between gum diseases and respiratory diseases
such as pneumonia, osteoporosis, nephritis,
arthritis, and fever are also suspected.
However, most of these study results and
reports are based on extensive epidemiological
studies in the U.S. and the interventional
study is still scant in Japan.
Illustration offer: Okayama University
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