Periodontal disease, also know as gum disease, is one of the most common diseases effecting humans. It is a bacterial infection that destroys not only the fibers that attach the tooth to our bone but it also attacks and destroys jaw bone. Studies have shown that 80 percent of people in the US have signs of gum disease. 50% over age 35 have significant disease.
For most, the disease starts with dental plaque accumulating on the teeth. It is sticky, and hardens to form tarter. Whether or not you get the disease depends on the bacteria in your mouth, how your body reacts to it, regular examination and your level of preventive treatment. Factors that contribute to the disease:
Genetics
Congenital immunodeficiency’s
Age
Medications
Smoking
Stress
Bruxism (grinding teeth)
Acquired immune defects
Acquired endocrine diseases
Most people who come to my office do not know they have any sort of periodontal disease until we make the diagnosis. Some people seek care with us because they start to have symptoms. Only in advanced disease is there pain.
Gingivitis - is the earliest form of gum disease. Your gums begin to bleed, can be red and sometimes swollen. There is usually no discomfort. If left untreated, gingivitis can proceed to periodontitis. In the early state of periodontitis, the attachment tissues and bone begin to deteriate. In moderate to advanced disease, more bone and tissue is lost and the teeth can become loose. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and will contribute to health problems like cardiovascular disease, preterm delivery, diabetes, respiratory disease.
Recent research has shown a direct link from periodontal disease to cardiovascular disease, preterm delivery, diabetes and respiratory disease. In my practice we have seen, in many cases, vast health improvement and just a better whole feeling of general health after the disease is treated and gotten under control. Our patients report their breath odors disappear, they feel healthier, more energy, etc. It is an infection that can really get you down and affect your whole body.
To find out if you have gum disease you must have a periodontal exam. It is painless and easy. We will need to have films of the teeth and bone to determine the extent of disease, and correct method of care.
How is periodontal disease linked to overall health?
Oral and systemic health is directly related. People with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to have periodontal infections. It has been shown that periodontal infections have caused diabetics to have difficulty maintain normal blood glucose levels.
Cardiovascular Disease
20% of Americans have one or more types of heart disease. Those with periodontal disease have a significantly higher occurrence of cardiovascular disease than the general population. There have been a lot of studies, some have concluded:
The risk of stroke is 2.8 times greater to those with periodontal disease.
Cardiovascular disease was 168% greater in those with periodontal disease.
Respiratory Disease
Periodontal disease is a risk factor of respiratory abnormalities and diseases. It has been shown that the infectious bacteria in gum disease can move to the lungs and contribute to pneumonia, and can affect COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Pregnancy
We know gingivitis and periodontal disease is exacerbated during pregnancy. New evidence suggests a relationship between preterm birth, underweight birth and periodontal disease. This is why women need to see the dentist regularly before and during pregnancy.
Treatment of periodontal disease
It is important to see the dentist if you are at risk for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or if you are planning to be pregnant. The way to get started is to have a thorough
Periodontal disease II
Periodontal disease effects nearly 80% of American adults, most don’t know it. It is reversible in the early stages. Recent studies have linked the relationship between oral bacteria, periodontal disease and life threatening diseases like oral cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and premature low birth weight babies. It is critical that gum disease be prevented, treated early and treated aggressively.
Oral Cancer
Each year nearly 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed. 9,000 people die from oral cancer a year. Oral cancer is more common than leukemia and skin melanoma. Oral cancer is treated easily in early stages. If not detected early, it can spread to other parts of the body and become hard to treat.
Heart Disease
The number one killer in Americans. The disease affects more than 58 million people in the United States each year. Over a million die each year. Research has shown a link between cardiovascular disease and bacterium in periodontal disease. It is important to treat gum disease early aggressively so its impact on heart disease can be reduced and eliminated.
Diabetes
A chronic disease with no cure. The fourth leading cause of death of Americans. Over 170,000 this year. It is estimated 16 million Americans have the disease. 95% of Americans with diabetes also have periodontal disease. Research has shown periodontal disease increases the risk of developing diabetes.
Respiratory ailments
We know that respiratory conditions are aggravated when bacteria from periodontal disease travel from the mouth to the lungs and lower respiratory system. It has been shown that patients with periodontal disease have dramatic increased risk of serious pneumonia and complications to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Babies
Studies have shown that mothers with gum disease are 7 times more likely to deliver premature, low weight babies. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that triggers an increase in labor inducing body fluids, leading to premature delivery.
Early detection by our office can lead to aggressive treatment and control of the disease, By this we can eliminate the effect periodontal disease has on advancing and complicating the many life threatening diseases that attacks our lives.
Signs and symptoms:
Red, swollen or tender gums
Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
Loose or separating teeth
Tooth loss
Pus around the teeth and gums
Pain as chewing
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
A change in the fit of partials or dentures
Recent research has shown a direct link from periodontal disease to cardiovascular disease, preterm delivery, diabetes and respiratory disease. In my practice we have seen vast health improvement and a better whole feeling of general health after the disease is treated and gotten under control. Our patients report their breath odors disappear, they feel healthier, more energy, etc. It is an infection that can really get you down and affect your whole body.
After hours Emergency:
517-294-0954 ( Dr. Kellogg's Cell phone )
