One reason that gum disease may contribute to other diseases.

One reason that gum disease may contribute to other diseases, according to investigators, it could be that oral bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation of other body tissues. Another possibility is that an oral infection could trigger inflammatory responses of the immune system, which would adversely affect the rest of the body. Dr. Steven Offenbach, distinguished professor of the Department of periodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina, is examining the relationship between periodontal disease and preterm birth. It also believes that inflammation may have a lot to do with that relationship.