Gum Disease And Health

11 Jul 2016

Your oral health is important to your systemic health. Discover the connection between gum disease and to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and premature births or low-birth weight babies

Research has shown that periodontal disease is associated with several other diseases.

For a long time it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked gum disease to other disease in the body; however, more recent studies shows that inflammation may be responsible for the association. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage gum diseases but might also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.

DIABETES AND GUM DISEASE

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop gum disease, which in turn increases blood sugar and diabetic complications. People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people without diabetes, maybe because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.

Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways - periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.

GUM DISEASE AND HEART DISEASE

Many studies have shown that gum disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has shows that gum disease increases the risk of heart disease. Scientists believe that inflammation caused by gum disease may be responsible for the association.gum disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions.

Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Moreover studies have pointed to a relationship between gum disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

GUM DISEASE AND OTHER DISEASES

OSTEOPOROSIS Researchers have suggested that a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation.

RESPIRATORY DISEASE Research has found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease.

CANCER Researchers found that men with gum disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer,54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

At Hobsonville point dental , our Dental Hygienist/Therapist & two dentists, Andrea and Tristan are here to assess & help with all aspects of oral health care & gum treatments, from simple scaling and polishing to complex periodontal problems.

Arrange an appointment with us at Hobsonville Point Dental today via our online booking system Click here to book online

Posted by Waronga

Hobsonville Point Dental is proud to help the good people of the Hobsonville with all their dental requirements; especially in our mission to assess your gums and help you iradicate gum infection / periodontitis - give a us a call 09320050

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