"People think of gum disease in terms of their teeth, but they don't think about the fact that gum disease is a serious infection that can release bacteria into the bloodstream", Dr. Robert Genco, editor Journal of Periodontology, "The Unreported cause of heart disease (Hint: Open Wide!)", Dr. David G. Williams.
Heart Disease and Heart Attack:
Recent studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 2.7 times more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack. Stroke: It has been also shown that people with periodontal disease are 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke.
Stroke:
It has been also shown that people with periodontal disease are 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke.
Pre-Term Childbirth:
Women with periodontal disease are 7-8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to a low birth-weight baby.
Diabetes:
Infection can raise blood sugar in diabetic patients. Periodontal treatment often results in a reduced need for insulin (i.e. improved blood sugar control). Research has emerged that suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways – people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.
Respiratory Disease:
Infection in the mouth can be breathed in and increase the chances of chronic respiratory disease (pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema) 1.3 times. Scientists have found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory disease such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease. This discovery leads researchers to believe that these respiratory bacteria can travel from the oral cavity into the lungs to cause infection.
Your Bacteria Can Be Transmitted:
Research using DNA testing has found that periodontal bacteria can be transmitted from parent to child and spouse to spouse. Periodontal Infection is a Medical Problem Periodontal disease is no longer thought of as just a dental problem. Research is finding many correlations between periodontal infection and serious medical problems. Some Patients are At Higher Risk These correlations are particularly serious for those patients who are in a higher risk category such as those having a personal or family history of:
- Heart Disease
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Premature Childbirth
- Diabetes
- Respiratory Diseases
- Those having higher risk lifestyles, including: chronic stress, smoker,
sedentary, overweight, frequent colds, flu etc.
Higher Risk Patients:
If you have been told you have periodontal infection (or have some of its symptoms), it is vital that you seek evaluation and treatment.
Libertyville: 847 362-6650
