The Dangers of Gum Disease

“People think of gum disease in terms of their teeth, but they don’t think about the fact that gum disease is a serious infection that can release bacteria into the bloodstream” – Dr. Robert Genco, editor “Journal of Periodontology”

There are millions of germs that live in your mouth. If you suffer from gum disease, you have open wounds in your gums that allow these bacteria to enter directly into your bloodstream and circulate throughout your body. Research has shown that there is a direct correlation between periodontal disease and heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, kidney disease, head and neck cancer, and increased risk of preterm delivery.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for the majority of adults. When an individual has gum disease it means that there is an active infection in your mouth.

What you need to know about Bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates a.k.a. bone-sparing drugs, are used to treat and help prevent osteoporosis.

HEART DISEASE & HEART ATTACK

There have been many studies show the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Along with the American Dental Association and many other articles, new studies have found that bacteria entering the bloodstream via sore gums, deposit a clot-forming protein.

Periodontal infections and cardiovascular disease

Link between gum and heart disease study

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, studies have shown there is a relationship of oral infection is a risk factor for a stroke.

Research suggests that the bacteria causing the inflammation of the gums can actually get into the bloodstream and target the fetus. Therefore, this is a potential risk to premature labor and low-birth-weight in babies.

Researchers have found that diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways. Not only does diabetes affect periodontal disease, periodontal disease has been shown to affect a patient’s diabetes. The diabetic has a tougher time in maintaining control of their metabolic status because periodontal disease is a chronic infection. Treating the periodontal disease helps the diabetic control their blood sugars. Being a diabetic, it is crucial for you to communicate with your dentist.

Take a look at the latest information about the diabetes-periosontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease. Having periodontal disease, this may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.

Periodontists is a serious gum infection that damages the gum tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Your dentist may refer you to a specialist, a periodontist, to evaluate any bone loss. Bone loss is one of the major contributors to tooth loss. After your evaluation with your periodontist, bone surgery may be recommended. Bone surgery is a surgical procedure to harvest patients own bone from a secondary source. This includes bone replacement or bone grafts, which is used to rebuild the bone destroyed by periodontal disease.

Regular dental visits with your periodontist, can improve the chances of any suspicious changes in your oral health. Early detection on any changes in your oral health care can be treated more easily.

In between dental visits, it is important to be aware of and changes in your oral health, such as:

  • a sore or irritation that does not go away
  • red or white patches
  • pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
  • a lump, rough spot or small eroded area
  • a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth

Periodontal disease is caused by inflammation from bacteria under the gums. The bacteria that causes the inflammation can be spread through the saliva. It is always a good idea to avoid contact by not sharing utensils or oral health instruments such as toothbrushes.