Archive for the ‘Gum Disease’ Category

Periodontal disease health risks

In the first two blogs regarding gum disease we learned the negative effects of gum disease, their symptoms, and treatments.  By now you should realize the threat it poses to your health.  Beyond the negative hazards gum disease creates for your teeth it has also been linked to many other serious diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and pregnancy problems. About 75% Americans have some form of gum disease so it is important to be aware that in can moderate to life threatening effects on your overall health.

Gum Disease and Heart Disease

As gum disease creates bacteria in one’s mouth, this bacteria enters the blood stream and attaches to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries and contributes to clot formation.  Over time the blood clots will obstruct normal blood flow restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to work properly.  This may lead to heart attacks.

Research has shown that people with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without gum disease. There is even research suggesting that gum disease is also a contributor to strokes as stroke victims were found to have the oral infection associated with gum disease.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

Studies show that diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.  This is due in part because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections, and gum disease is another chronic infection that can affect the body’s ability to heal.  Many diabetics diagnosed with gum disease that have been treated have found that their blood sugar becomes much easier to regulate.  Gum disease is twice as likely to occur in people with diabetes and is consider the sixth complication of diabetes according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

Gum Disease and Respiratory Disease

Research has shown that bacteria that grows in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lung to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease. This discovery leads scientists to believe that these respiratory bacteria can travel from the oral cavity into the lungs to cause infection.

Gum Disease and Pregnancy Problems

Expectant mothers with gum disease are seven times more likely to have a premature and low-birth-weight baby. Because the bacteria and toxins from periodontal disease enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation they can induce pregnancy.  It is advised that expectant mothers or women who are thinking about becoming pregnant should have a thorough oral exam.

Gum Disease Prevention

Preventing the onset of gum disease is the best way to avoid it leading to other more damaging diseases such as the ones mentioned above.  In addition to properly brushing and flossing daily, biannual professional check-ups and cleanings are recommended for everyone unless your dentist directs otherwise.  This will help detect, prevent, and treat periodontal disease and the other health complications that go along with it.

In addition to these measures avoiding smoking, stress, poor diet, and certain medications can help prevent gum disease.   Ask your dentist what other preventive measures you can take to avoid this all too common disease.