Systemic Diseases and Dental Treatment. Now more than ever, patients are hearing about the “mouth-body” connections between systemic disease and oral disease. Dentists and physicians have known for some time that illnesses and conditions of the mouth, gums and teeth are directly related to illnesses and conditions in the rest of the body. Research is now providing ample evidence to back this up. Studies show that bacterial infection and tissue inflammation are important causative factors in periodontal disease. These byproducts can be major factors in the development of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other serious problems. According to the ADA, approximately 70% of the population has some form of periodontal gum disease. The bacteria identified in periodontal disease are the same bacteria identified with other systemic diseases. It is due to this connection that preventative dentistry and proper dental hygiene appointments are so important for not only dental health but systemic health as well.