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Periodontal Disease
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Click the links below to learn everything you need to know about Periodontal Disease, how it is treated and its links to other health problems:
Links to Other Health Problems
Cardiovascular Disease and Periodontal Disease
For many years, researchers have found an association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (including heart attacks and strokes). Although the true nature of the relationship is still unclear (whether there is a causal factor or not), periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Studies have found that adults with significant amounts of periodontal disease -causing bacteria in their mouths are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular problems than those who do not have periodontal disease. One possible reason is that the bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, and certain components of the bacteria can cause increased inflammation, which can increase plaque build-up in the arteries.
Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
There is a well-established link between diabetes and periodontal disease. People with diabetes are at a greater risk for periodontal disease, likely because of their overall increased risk for infection (periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the mouth). They are also at greater risk for more severe periodontal disease, especially if their blood sugar levels are not well-controlled.
Recent studies have found that the relationship might go the other way, too. Severe periodontal disease might worsen diabetes by increasing blood sugar (due to higher levels of certain chemicals from periodontal bacteria), which increases the risk for diabetic complications.
If you have diabetes, the prevention of severe periodontal disease is doubly important. If you are not sure, then go in for a through exam and if you do have some form of periodontal disease, then prompt treatment.
Respiratory Disease and Periodontal Disease
It's possible that if you have periodontal disease, you may be at risk for some types of respiratory disease. For a long time, we've known that people who smoke, are elderly, or have other health problems that suppress the immune system, are at an increased risk for the development of respiratory diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may put people at increased risk for respiratory disease. What we do know is that infections in the mouth, like periodontal disease, are associated with increased risk of respiratory infection.
If you are at risk for respiratory disease or periodontal disease seek a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Lynn, "because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body."
Premature and Low -Birth Weight Babies and Periodontal Disease
It's possible that if you have periodontal disease and are pregnant, you may be at risk for having a premature, low birth -weight baby. For a long time, we've known that many risk factors contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth -weight: smoking, alcohol use, drug use, and infections. Now evidence is mounting that suggest a new risk factor: periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small.
More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. What we do know is that periodontal disease is an infection and all infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. If you are planning to become pregnant and are at risk for periodontal disease, be sure to include a periodontal evaluation as part of your prenatal care-because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body and a healthy baby.
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