According to research by the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal disease is associated with several diseases. Studies from the American Dental Association (ADA), show that gum inflammation may be responsible for the association to several diseases.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It is one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults.
Gum disease is created by the sticky film of bacteria that regularly forms on the teeth called, which is known as plaque. When these bacteria aren’t cleaned, it will cause deep pockets to form between the teeth and gums. Gum disease can lead to strokes, diabetes and heart diseases.
Here are some of the effects of gum disease on your general health:
Heart Disease
Gum disease increases the risk of heart disease. Scientists have conceived that the inflammation triggered by gum disease might be responsible for the link between gum and heart disease. Gum disease can also aggravate any existing heart conditions one might have. Patients with infective endocarditis may require prior antibiotic usage before undergoing cleaning or any treatment of the gums.
Diabetes
Gum disease can lead to some serious issues for people that have diabetes. One of the major issues is controlling the individual’s blood sugar levels as periodontal disease can cause the blood sugar levels to rise. Patients that have diabetes stand a higher chance of having gum disease as well. This is because infections are easily picked up if the person already has diabetes.
Stroke
According to scientists, there is a correlation between gum disease and suffering from a stroke. Research indicates that stroke patients are more susceptible to have an oral infection compared to those that have not had a stroke.
Respiratory Diseases
The bacteria from periodontal disease can potentially cause respiratory diseases. This takes place when the bacteria from your mouth moves into your lungs.
Maintaining good oral care and hygiene promotes good overall health. You can reduce your risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease by maintaining regular dental check-ups.
About Thomas Gonzales, D.D.S.
Thomas Gonzales D.D.S. is a Los Angeles dentist with advanced training in dental implants. He has 45 years’ experience and is licensed in IV Sedation. Dr. Gonzales has taught courses worldwide on dental implants at LVI Global, Neodent and Dental Implant Institute. He was a professor of IV Sedation at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine and a neuromuscular dentistry instructor for Loma Linda Medical Center. He is a member of several prestigious organizations, including: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Dr. Gonzales is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam War Veteran.
