PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND YOUR GENERAL HEALTH

Did you know your mouth is an over all indicator of the health of your body?

Here's a truly staggering fact: 1 in 3 adults in the US suffer from periodontal disease. Many of these cases also go undetected and untreated. New medical studies are showing that
ignoring gum disease can pose serious risks to your health.

First, let's start by explaining what gum disease actually is. In it's earliest stages, gum disease is also called gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when bacteria builds up between the teeth and gums. Typical
symptoms include red swollen gums and mild bleeding. Gingivitis can be treated by simply improving your oral hygiene habits by brushing and flossing at frequent intervals.

Gum disease progresses to Periodontitis when gingivitis remains untreated and progresses. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Harmful bacteria gathers between teeth and gums, causing an infected, inflamed pocket to develop. This bacteria releases toxins into the surrounding tissue. Periodontitis can cause the gums to recede from the teeth and causes bone loss. Typical symptoms include bleeding gums, mouth odor, pus on the gums, pain when biting and chewing and loose teeth. One last note about severe gum disease; once you've contracted it, you cannot be "cured" of it. The best that can be done is to "maintain" it through continuous periodontal therapy and good home hygiene habits.

So how does the bacteria in your mouth effect your heart?

One theory is that the bacteria from periodontal disease enters the blood stream and becomes attached to the fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. This build up can lead to blockage, possibly causing heart attacks. In layman's terms: You know that hard stuff your hygienist scrapes off your teeth? Periodontal disease allows that material to circulate throughout your body and cling to the walls of your arteries. That restricts normal blood flow, reducing the amount of oxygen the heart gets.

The more restricted your arteries are, the higher your blood pressure rises to force the blood through the arteries. The higher your blood pressure gets, the greater your chances are for heart attack and stroke.

Studies are also linking periodontal disease to diabetes. Currently, it is not known if diabetes exacerbates periodontal disease or vice versa. However, clinical studies have shown that people with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes that people without. Additionally, uncontrolled periodontal diease may make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.

Periodontal disease has also been linked to low birth weight babies and associated with other women's hormonal health issues.

Do you have gum disease? For a complimentary periodontal exam, please call our office at 727.733.1175 and reference this web page.

REASONS TO CHOOSE US

Practically pain free dental care. Affordable dental care. There are several reasons to choose Hopkins Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry. Most importantly our patients come first. Find out about Dr. Hopkins and our commitment to your oral health.

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