CHICAGO – September 19, 2000 – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is concerned about accumulating research that links periodontal disease to patients’ overall health.
An article in the September 13, 2000, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and other mounting evidence, suggests that periodontal disease may be linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke and preterm low birth weight. On the other hand, a research article appearing in the September 20, 2000, issue of JAMA shows only a very weak link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.
Contradictory studies are common in medical research until intervention studies are conducted to prove or disprove working hypotheses. Until the research on the link between periodontal disease and general health conditions is conclusive, the best advice for patients continues to be that people should take care of their periodontal health. In addition to helping people keep their teeth, it may help protect overall health.
Intervention studies currently are underway to further explore the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, preterm low birthweight and diabetes. Until these findings become available, it is important for the dental and medical communities to communicate on current research findings and to continue research in this area. The AAP, in conjunction with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial research, held a state-of-the-science symposium in April 2001 to further such collaboration.
A referral to a periodontist in your area and
free brochure samples are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.
