Research has shown that Periodontal Disease has both dental and medical consequences.
Dental Consequences
Periodontal disease is the cause of 75% of all adult tooth loss. When your gums and bone are damaged by periodontal infection, there is less support for your teeth. As this support disappears, your teeth first become loose and then can be lost. When your dentist recommends periodontal treatment, it is important to get started right away.
Natural Teeth Must Be Replaced
If the periodontal inflammation continues, you can start to loose your teeth one at a time. These lost teeth will have to be replaced with dental work, such as:
- Dental Implants
- Bridges
- Partial dentures
- Full dentures
Dentures
If tooth loss continues, you may need dentures. Many patients do not understand the full consequences of wearing dentures. There can be many problems with dentures including:
- Inability to eat certain foods
- Inability to feel and taste foods
- Lisping or clacking when speaking
- Bad breath or smell
- Pain or discomfort
- Unnatural looking teeth
- Self-consciousness and embarrassment
- Having to take your dentures out at night for soaking
- Your spouse seeing you without teeth at night
- Drooling
The Good News
In most cases, the progress of periodontal infection can be stopped with prompt treatment. The gums and bone around your teeth can then be saved from further damage.
Medical Consequences
Periodontal disease is no longer thought to be just a dental problem. Researchers are finding many correlations between periodontal infection and serious medical problems.
"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 disease can also lead to inflammation. This inflammatory bacteria enters your bloodstream and then travels throughout your body. It can affect other parts of your body and has been linked with a number of medical conditions. It is important to treat periodontal disease as quickly as possible to avoid the release of bacteria and inflammation into your bloodstream.
Heart Disease & Heart Attack
Recent studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 2.7 times more likely to suffer a heart attack.Stroke
Studies have also shown that people with periodontal disease are 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke.Pre-Term Childbirth
Women with periodontal disease are 7-8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to a low birth-weight baby.Diabetes
Periodontal infection can raise blood sugar in diabetic patients. Periodontal treatment often results in a reduced need for insulin.Respiratory Disease
Periodontal infection in the mouth can be breathed in and increase the severity of such respiratory diseases as pneumonia, bronchitis, and emphysema.
Your Infection Can Be Transmitted
Research using DNA testing has found that 80% of all periodontal disease comes from a parent or spouse. Patients with periodontal disease can pass their infection along to their loved ones.
Some Patients are At Higher Risk
Patients in certain higher risk categories (see below) should pay particular attention to any signs of periodontal disease.
Those patients having a personal or family history of:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Premature childbirth
- Diabetes
- Respiratory diseases
Those patients having higher risk lifestyles, including:
- Chronic stress
- Smoker
- Sedentary and overweight
- Frequent colds, flu, etc.
Higher Risk Patients
If you have been told you have periodontal infection (or some of its symptoms) it is vital that you seek evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.