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Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Most often the patient will be unaware that this is happening as there is generally no discomfort associated with periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth and sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Bacteria normally present in your mouth tend to concentrate in the plaque and produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, bacterial plaque may cause your gums to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting bone that holds teeth in place may deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

Smoking
Diabetes
Stress
Clenching and grinding teeth
Medication
Poor nutrition

Heart and Periodontal Disease

It is possible that if you have periodontal disease, you may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. It has been known for a long time that bacteria may affect the heart. New mounting evidence suggests that people with periodontal disease, a bacterial infection, may be more at risk for heart disease, and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack than patients without periodontal disease.

While more research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease bacteria may affect your heart, one possibility is that periodontal bacteria enter the blood stream through inflamed gums, and cause small clots that contribute to clogged arteries. Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits inside the heart arteries.

One out every 5 Americans has one or more types of heart disease. If you are one of these Americans, or if you are at risk for periodontal disease, see us for a periodontal evaluation. Remember, healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

For years we have known that people with diabetes are more likely to have more severe periodontal disease than people without diabetes. Recent research now suggests that the relationship goes both ways: severe periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Although scientists are still unsure of the exact mechanism of this relationship, we do know that severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar levels, and that as a diabetic this can put you at increased risk for diabetic complications. In other words, controlling your periodontal disease may help you control your diabetes. Therefore, if you are among the 16 million Americans who have diabetes, or you are at risk for periodontal disease, please contact us for an evaluation. Remember, healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.

Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease

If you are pregnant, and have periodontal disease, you may be at risk for having a premature, low birthweight baby.

For a long time we have known that many risk factors contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at low birthweight: smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and infections. Mow evidence is emerging that suggests a new risk factor – periodontal disease. Pregnant women with periodontal disease may be 7 times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small. More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes, but we do know that periodontal disease is an infection and that all infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby.

Therefore if you are planning to become pregnant or are at risk for periodontal disease, please include an evaluation with us as part of your prenatal care. Remember, healthy gums lead to a healthier body and a healthy baby.