Does Periodontal Disease Cause High White Blood Cell Count (WBC)?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums that affects the structures supporting the teeth. It is a progressive condition that can cause inflammation, swelling, and infection in the gums and eventually lead to tooth loss. While the primary cause of periodontal disease is bacteria, it can also be caused or exacerbated by certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking or poor oral hygiene.
The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can travel through the body, leading to systemic inflammation and an increase in white blood cells (WBC). This increase in WBC can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Therefore, it is important to understand whether periodontal disease does, in fact, cause an increase in WBC.
White Blood Cells (WBC) are a type of cell that is part of the immune system and helps to fight off infections and other foreign invaders. The normal range of WBC in a healthy person is between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per microliter of blood. An elevated WBC count, also known as leukocytosis, is considered to be anything above 11,000 cells per microliter of blood.
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. When the body is exposed to bacteria or other foreign invaders, the immune system responds by releasing white blood cells to fight off the infection. This is known as an inflammatory response.
It is not clear whether periodontal disease directly causes an increase in WBC. However, studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and elevated WBC. In one study, it was found that patients with severe periodontal disease had higher WBC counts than those with milder cases. Furthermore, the study found that the higher the severity of periodontal disease, the higher the WBC count.
In conclusion, there is evidence to suggest that periodontal disease can lead to an increase in WBC. However, further research is needed to determine if this is a direct cause-and-effect relationship or if other factors are involved. It is important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent the development of periodontal disease, as it can lead to other serious health complications.