A periodontist works with patients to reduce the risk of gum disease and treat any concerns promptly. This can reduce the risk of overall health conditions (or impact the conditions have on the rest of the body). This overview from a periodontist explains the correlation between gum disease and overall health.
The development of gum disease can increase the risk of general health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. It is helpful to understand this correlation and how to prevent gum disease and thus reduce the risk of poor overall health and the development of certain conditions.
Diabetes that is not adequately controlled can restrict blood flow. This can affect the gums and lead to gum and jawbone damage. Diabetes may also increase blood sugar levels, which can then increase the risk of developing gum disease. In addition, gum infections that can result from gum disease can have a negative impact on diabetes as well. Therefore, gum disease prevention and prompt treatment are important for patients that are diagnosed with diabetes.
Gum disease may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. While studies are not conclusive about this correlation, there is a lot of research that supports the notion that gum disease can have a negative impact on heart health. One likely reason for this is that bacteria from infected gums could enter the bloodstream and affect the overall circulatory system, which could increase the risk of atherosclerosis and other heart-related conditions.
Other conditions that gum disease may increase the risk of include stroke, kidney disease, osteoporosis, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease. In fact, there is believed to be a possible link between gum disease and over 100 conditions. Of course, it is important to point out that these possible (and in some cases likely) correlations do not mean that gum disease can cause these other conditions. Instead, it suggests that gum disease could increase the likelihood of general health problems, especially with conditions that are related to the flow of blood.
The good news is that gum disease is preventable even for those who are at higher risk of developing the condition (e.g., people with diabetes). A periodontist can put together a gum disease treatment and prevention plan that may include a deep dental cleaning, regular periodontal cleanings, and an oral care routine at home.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Periodontist in Rockville, MD
Are you concerned about your risk of gum disease? Reach out to our dental office today by phone or message to schedule a visit. During your first visit, we can evaluate the status of your periodontal health, address any symptom concerns you have had recently, and put together a treatment and prevention plan to minimize the risk of gum disease and the consequent effect it could have on your overall health.
Request an appointment or call Potomac Woods Family Dental Care at 301-202-1553 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
If you have never visited a periodontist for oral health treatment, it is helpful to know what these professionals do. Periodontists are dentists that focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum disease and related issues. One symptom of this disease is gum recession. It may require gingival gum surgery to correct and restore…
A periodontist can help to reverse or manage gum disease. Medically termed periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of gum tissues caused by oral bacteria. These microorganisms feast on sugars from foods and beverages consumed, and they form plaque.Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth and gum surfaces, and it creates the mushy…
A periodontist helps patients through the dental implant process, from consultation visits to aftercare after successful restoration placement. Read on to learn more about this procedure. In many cases, a bone graft procedure is required in order to ensure the successful fusion of the dental implant with the jawbone.A bone graft procedure is sometimes necessary…
When undergoing a dental appointment, patients can request an oral cancer screening to know if they are at risk of developing the condition. The screenings are meant to detect early signs of the condition before it reaches a more advanced stage.The 5-year survival rate is at about 50 percent, so it is highly vital to…
Botox seems an ideal option if you want to enhance your appearance. It keeps your skin firm and youthful. Many people opt for it to ward off fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes or sometimes on the forehead. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that you do not need to search…