The Impact of Diseases of Periodontics on Health
The health risks of the diseases in periodontics are more than just teeth loss. There is an established connection between periodontal disease and your general health. People with gum disease are more likely to suffer from health conditions such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and stroke.
What are periodontal diseases?
Gum disease starts when bacteria film, called plaque, builds on the teeth. When the calcium in saliva binds with plaque, it hardens into what is known as tartar or calculus. The bacteria in plaque and calculus can cause damages to gum tissues.
The body attempts to fight the infection by attacking the bacteria with white blood cells. The inflammation can cause the gums to bleed when brushing or flossing. This stage of gum disease is called gingivitis.
If the inflammation and infection continue, the consequence is a chronic inflammatory that can destroy the gums, ligament and bone surrounding the teeth. The condition at this stage, which is sometimes symptomless, is known as periodontitis. It could cause the teeth to come loose or even fall out. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Painful gums
- Inflamed gums
- Gum bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Pockets between the gum and teeth
Periodontal disease and diabetes
Diabetes and periodontal disease are interrelated. Patients with diabetes are more prone to developing gum disease because they have excess sugar in their saliva. This means that they must monitor their oral health as they take care of their overall wellbeing. Once periodontal disease sets in, it may be harder to manage blood sugar, and that may cause increased blood sugar levels.
Periodontal disease and heart disease
Although there is no definite proof of the cause and effect, there is a link between cardiovascular disease and gum disease. Multiple studies, including one published in Harvard Health, shows that people who have suffered a stroke are more likely to have gum disease. Often, patients with existing heart-related ailments may discover that gum disease exacerbates their current symptoms. Patients who are at the risk of heart conditions are advised to seek treatment from a periodontics professional as soon as possible.
That is not all …
The connection between gum disease and overall health extends to rheumatoid arthritis, especially if the infection is from a bacterium called porphyromonas gingivalis. Also, a study done in 2016 discovered a link between the same bacterium and pancreatic cancer. However, as it is with links to heart disease, a link is not the same as causation; additional research is required to ascertain the implication of these findings.
In conclusion
The best way to combat periodontal disease to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are essential to eliminate the plaque that causes gum disease. PerioLase is one of the lasers used in periodontics to treat gum disease and clean out bacteria plaque. The procedure is done to restore oral health and the appearance of the patient’s teeth. If you have gum disease, you can visit a cosmetic dentist for treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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