Your body and Your Mouth Communication

Patients with periodontal disease have a constant source of infection within their mouth that can affect other parts of their body as well. Periodontal disease is an infection, and all infections are cause for concern. Periodontal bacteria or viruses can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Research has shown patients with severe periodontal disease have approximately four times more harmful bacterial products in their blood than those with moderate or no periodontal disease after chewing. Series of new research has shown that periodontal disease is considered a risk factor for some systemic diseases. We need to take periodontal disease very seriously for the ultimate health of our body.

Periodontal Disease and Systemic Side Effects

People with periodontal disease are at higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes and respiratory diseases. Research is suggesting that systemic side effects of periodontal disease may:

• Contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death.
• Increase the risk of stroke.
• Increase a woman's risk of having a preterm, low birth weight baby.
• Pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory diseases, or osteoporosis.

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Smokers are at higher risk for developing periodontal disease. They usually suffer from more severe forms of periodontal disease and they do not respond to the treatment as well as non smokers. Research has shown chance of implant failure in a smoker is twice as a non-smoker.

If you are a smoker and you want to quit smoking, you can contact your medical insurance company and ask them about smoking cessation programs they offer.

Medications and Periodontal Disease

Some medications can cause gingival overgrowth. This means that your gum can grow bigger due to the side effect of some medications. If you are taking hypertension, transplant or seizure medications or have somebody in your family who has overgrown gums, you might be at higher risk for gingival overgrowth.

Hormonal changes and Periodontal Disease

Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause have shown to affect your gums. There is more tendency for bleeding during pregnancy. A good oral hygiene and professional cleaning by a dentist can prevent periodontal problems.