Clinical Research on Inflammatory Disorders

There is a growing awareness that chronic inflammatory disorders have significant effects on the overall health and well being of an individual. One such example of this is Periodontal Disease, a chronic gum disease that a chronic inflammatory response to bacteria lodged between teeth and gums. Scientists at the CCID have found a major link between poor oral health and complications associated with several significant medical conditions. The CCID performs research on the relationship between oral inflammatory disorders and the following medical conditions through its Clinical Program:

• Periodontal Disease
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Birth Defects

Periodontal Disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory response to bacteria that reside within the gum tissue. Scientists at the CCID are working with the Thurston Arthritis Center, the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the UNC School of Pharmacy to develop new anti-inflammatory agents that will be effective in treatments for Periodontal Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders. Clinicians at the CCID have a strong active research program in periodontal disease prevention and management using the latest and most effective therapies.

For more Information on Periodontal Disease:

• American Academy of Periodontology
• International Association for Dental Research
• Mouth to Body Connection
• National Institutes of Health
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
• UNC School of Dentistry Department of Periodontics

Coronary Heart Disease. Investigators at the CCID have recently demonstrated that chronic inflammation is a significant independent risk factor for the fatality and morbidity associated with coronary heart diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke. Scientists at the CCID are trying to develop new and more effective anti-inflammatory treatments for periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, to lessen the risk for a fatal heart attack or stroke. Clinicians at the CCID provide treatments for Periodontal Disease to lessen the potential risk of coronary heart disease, and provide referrals to appropriate medical clinics for at risk patients.

For more information on Coronary Heart Disease:

• American Heart Association
• American College of Cardiology
• American Academy of Periodontology Mouth to Body Connection
• American Academy of Periodontology Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
• American Academy of Periodontology Heart Disease and Stroke
• American Dental Association
• American Dental Association - Link Between Gum Disease, Heart Risk
• Health
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research               
• NIDCR – Does the Mouth put the Heart at Risk?
• UNC Davison of Cardiology
• WebMD Heart Disease Health Center

Pregnancy. Investigators at the CCID have discovered that periodontal infections appear to be a significant risk factor for delivery of preterm low birth weight children (PLBWC). Scientists at the CCID are working to discover the link between inflammation and premature labor and delivery to develop better ways of delivering prenatal care to at risk women. Clinicians at the CCID are working with pregnant women at both UNC and Duke University to reduce the likelihood of preterm delivery and low birth weight children, and lessen the risk of birth defects.

For more information on Chronic Inflammation and Pregnancy:

• American Academy of Periodontology - Mouth to Body Connection
• Links to Women’s Health Sites
• National Women’s Health Information Center
• UNC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• WebMD Pregnancy Health Center

Diabetes. It is well established that diabetes is a risk factor for severe periodontal disease, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, increased infections, and limb amputation. Scientists at the CCID are investigating how oral inflammation may contribute to the development or severity of diabetes, and why patients with diabetes are more susceptible to these other inflammatory disorders. Clinicians at the CCID are working with diabetic patients to treat periodontal disease and lessen the medical risks associated with the disease.

For more information on Diabetes:

• American Academy of Periodontology Mouth to Body Connection
• American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
• American Diabetes Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International
• National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
• National Diabetes Education Program
• The Diabetes Mall
• WebMD Diabetes Health Center

Birth Defects. It is now believed is that subclinical infection, possibly originating in periodontal disease, affects the inflammatory and immune responses in women, placing them at higher risk for preterm labor and delivery. Premature labor and delivery can have disastrous outcomes on the newborn fetus, putting the child at risk for lung and brain damage, as well as other developmental abnormalities. Scientists at the CCID are investigating how oral inflammation and infection effects on pregnancy may have a significant impact on the health and development of premature newborns.

For more information on Birth Defects:

• March of Dimes
• International Institute for Birth Defects
• Birth Defect Research for Children
• Health