By contactus
December 09, 2011
Category: Uncategorized
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It's been estimated that 75% of adults in the US are affected by some form of periodontal or gum disease, ranging from relatively mild cases of gingivitis to chronic periodontal disease. If periodontal disease isn't treated then the gum tissue gradually becomes destroyed through the infection which can also spread to the bone in the jaw, causing the teeth to loosen or fall out.

While losing teeth is bad enough, clinical research has also shown periodontal disease to be connected to a number of other diseases which includes heart disease and diabetes. Periodontal disease generally occurs when plaque bacteria are allowed to build up on the teeth and gums, and are not removed through regular brushing and flossing, and the trouble is that it creates open wounds within the mouth. These wounds are the perfect opening for plaque bacteria to enter the bloodstream so they can travel freely around the body.

The Link to Diabetes

If you are diabetic then you need to be extra vigilant about controlling blood sugar levels as well as your oral health. It's not yet known if gum disease increases the risk of developing diabetes or if the reverse is true, but it is known that periodontal disease can affect blood sugar levels, and that poor blood sugar control can lead to more frequent gum infections.

The Link to Heart Disease

Clinical studies have also suggested that people suffering from periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease. One theory as to why periodontal disease increases this risk is that bacteria entering the bloodstream from the mouth attach themselves to plaque on the walls of the coronary arteries, gradually narrowing the arteries and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. Another theory centres on the body’s inflammatory response to oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, as it is thought this may create inflammation and swelling in the arteries, causing them to narrow.

Reducing Your Risk of Developing Gum Disease

Although the exact links between these common diseases and periodontal disease aren't yet known, it seems pretty clear that a healthy mouth is an essential part of overall good health. We recommend our patients visit us every six months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning, as if caught early enough, gum disease is easily treated. If you suffer from a systemic disease such as diabetes, or are at increased risk of developing gum disease, we may suggest you see us more frequently.

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Dentist - Houston, Ellen Lim, DDS, 3700 Buffalo Speedway, Houston TX, 77098 713-850-9699