Committed to Care

We believe that quality of life can be recognized in oral health and access to oral health. For more information, please visit www.cap-acp.ca.

1. Alzheimer’s disease
Exposure to inflammation early in life increases one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Dental researchers have found the first long-term evidence that periodontal (gum) disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease in healthy individuals as well as in those who already are cognitively impaired.

2. Heart disease
Oral bacteria entering the blood stream and inflammation caused by plaque build up are just a couple of the ways periodontal disease can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack.

3. Stroke
Studies have found a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. Those with adult periodontitis or oral infection may have an increased risk.

4. Respiratory Infections
Researchers have found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated or inhaled into the lung and cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease or plaque build up.

5. Severe Osteopenia
Researchers suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be lost.

6. Diabetes
Periodontal disease is described as a risk factor for the development of diabetes and a contributing factor to poor glycemic control.

7. Preterm or low weight babies
Oral bacteria can cross the placental barrier and expose the fetus to infection or cause preterm labour or low birth weight babies.

Overwhelming medical evidence supports the link between oral health and overall health, therefore alternative options for delivery of dental hygiene services will hopefully encourage more individuals to seek out dental hygiene services. Studies have shown the link between periodontal disease and coronary artery disease, stroke, heart disease, bacterial pneumonia, pre-term births and low-birth weight babies. In addition, oral health problems can negatively affect your ability to speak, chew and swallow properly, which can have an adverse impact on your ability to consume the nutrition your body needs to remain healthy.