Patient Education
Periodontal Disease and Overall Health
Recent research has shown that having periodontal or gum disease can affect more than just your teeth - in fact it can affect your overall health.
- Expectant mothers who have gum disease are at much greater risk of having premature or low birth weight babies.
- Diabetics who are afflicted with chronic periodontitis have far more difficulty controlling their diabetes than those who do not have gum problems.
- A strong association has been found between long-term periodontal disease and a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease in the form of heart attacks and strokes.
The cause and effect relationship between ailments in your mouth and other disease processes is not precisely understood, but there is a common thread appearing in most research. Gum disease is the body's inflammatory response to the bacteria in your mouth. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and preterm and low birth weight babies are all the result of inflammatory mechanisms in your body. It is thought that if you have severe enough periodontal disease for long enough, it may trigger these other inflammations.
There are three stages of the condition: mild, moderate, and advanced. Gingivitis is a precursor to periodontitis - symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at first. To prevent the progression to the more serious periodontitis, gingivitis requires attention. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene. If the condition progresses to the more advanced stages, patients are best treated through the referral to a periodontist which may involve minor surgical procedures. The condition can never be fully eliminated, but can be managed through regular care.
Periodontitis can affect anyone of any age at any time. Prevention through regular dental exams, brushing, and floss are crucial in preventing the disease. In treating periodontal disease, you will not only be saving your teeth, but you will be also be improving your overall health.