Health Risks of Periodontal Disease
How Does This Happen?
Periodontal disease begins with inflammation and bleeding of the gums, called gingivitis, that gradually extends below the gum line. If left untreated, this disease can compromise the entire gum, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth. It is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Inflammation from periodontal disease has been linked to the following diseases according to Dr. Thomas E. Van Dyke, director of the Clinical Research Center and professor in the Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology at Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine:
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pregnancy complications
- Respiratory illness
- Kidney disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
‘The connection might work like this… Infected gums send bacterial
toxins and cytokins (chemicals released by white blood cells that
intensify inflammation) into the blood stream. When the toxins and
cytokines reach the arteries of the heart, they stimulate white blood
cells there, sparking further thickening of arterial plaque. They might
even trigger a rupture in the plaque, releasing an artery-closing clot,’
says Dr. Van Dyke.
He also says that inflammation from gum disease has been linked in three possible ways:
- Bacteria from the mouth may travel to other parts of the body causing inflammation.
- Local inflammation in the gums may spark inflammation throughout the body.
- You may have a genetic predisposition to diseases that have an inflammatory component. If you get one disease, you’re more likely to get another.
Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
- Smoking
- Aging
- Being overweight
- Medications
- Genes
To Reduce Your Risk of Periodontal Disease
- Floss twice a day
- Brush at least twice a day
- See your dentist regularly
At Cross DentalCare, Dr. Carol Austin is dedicated to treat and help you manage your gingitivis and periodontal disease. Dr. Austin also works with a team of periodontal specialists to provide you with comprehensive care in diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.
We take pride in providing comfortable, quality dental care.