Newsroom

The benefits of good periodontal health obviously include not only being free from infection, but a youthful look and attractive smile as well as being able to chew food comfortably.

In recent years, medical science has begun to show through substantial research that people who have gum infection are at significant risk for other systemic diseases. Please consider the following:

DIABETES

People with diabetes are aware that they are more at risk for periodontal disease. More recent study has shown that the infection of periodontal disease often makes the control of blood sugar very difficult. If you have diabetes, you understand that complications increase with increase in blood sugar.

Control of periodontal disease can play an important part in helping on control diabetes! If you have diabetes or have a family history, prevention of periodontal disease can make a difference.

HEART DISEASE

The same bacteria that cause gum infection can enter the blood stream and contribute to the chemistry that forms arterial plaques and clogs arteries. Also, the byproducts of inflammation around the teeth (gum disease) may also contribute to clogging of arteries.

Evidence shows that people who have periodontal disease are much more at risk of having a fatal heart attack than those without.

If you are already at risk for heart disease, then you should certainly work hard to prevent periodontal disease!

RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Numerous respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are often health problems for people who smoke, the elderly, or people who have suppressed immune systems.

Infections of the mouth including periodontal disease can also place you at increased risk for respiratory disease. Current research is determining the mechanism or specific organisms involved. If you are at risk for respiratory infection, then control of periodontal disease can make a difference!

PREGNANCY

All infections are cause for concern if one is pregnant, for the risk posed to the health of the baby. Everyone is aware also, that smoking, drinking alcohol and drug use can all place the newborn at risk.

A new risk factor has surfaced — periodontal disease — which apparently is related to premature, low birth weight babies. Research has shown that pregnant women who have gum infection may be seven times more likely to have a baby born early and too small.

If you are pregnant and suspect you are at risk for periodontal disease, prevention and treatment may help not only with a healthier body, but a healthy baby!

THANK YOU FOR VISITING OUR NEWSROOM!

I learned in dental school that the mouth is the "mirror of the body" and one often helps a patient diagnose important systemic problems when dental disease is investigated. Today, we know that periodontal infection can certainly impact our overall health. Fortunately, we are able to do more than ever before to control periodontal disease. See your dentist regularly and ask questions you feel are important.

If you need more information on any of the above topics, send a request to Dr. Gartner at richard@drgartner.com.