Periodontal 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
PERIODONTAL (GUM DISEASES)
Periodontal (gum) diseases,include gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic, ongoing bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth.
HOW DOES AN ONGOING INFECTION WORK?
An ongoing infection occurs when there is a constant supply of bacteria to the area, your immune system never quite wins the battle, as the infection grows and spreads. As the bone support around the teeth is destroyed, deep pockets develop between the tooth and the gum tissue. These pockets are out of reach to your toothbrush, floss, or waterpic. Once the pockets get started, if they are not treated, the damage continues: bone support is lost, gum tissue recedes, teeth get loose, and teeth will eventually be lost.
FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO PERODONTAL DISEASE AND TOOTH LOSS.
People with periodontal disease have low resistance to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. They simply need more help to control the disease and to preserve their teeth in a healthy state. There are, however, other factors that contribute to disease progression including:
· Smoking · Pregnancy
· Stress or tension · Diabetes, Systemic Diseases
· Diet, poor nutrition · Some Prescription Medications
. Clenching and grinding
Health Issues and Periodontal Disease
- Heart Disease & Heart Attack
Recent studies have also shown that people with periodontal disease are 2.7 times more likely to suffer a heart attack.
Studies have also shown that people with periodontal disease are 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke.
Women with periodontal disease are 7-8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to a low birth-weight baby.
Periodontal infection can raise blood sugar in diabetic patients.Periodontal treatment often results in a reduced need for insulin.
Periodontal infection in the mouth can be breathed in and increase the severity of such respiratory diseases as pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema.
Your Bacteria Can Be Transmitted
Research using DNA testing has found that periodontal bacteria can be transmitted from parent to child and spouse to spouse.
For more information contact our San Ramon Periodontics & implantolgy office or visit www.perio.org