Until recently, periodontal (gum) disease was considered to be only a localized infection with little or no effect on our overall health and well-being. Continuing research, however, has shown that periodontal disease may have powerful and multiple influences on the onset and severity of many systemic conditions and diseases. Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious infection caused by plaque bacteria. Although much of the bacteria is confined to the pockets around the teeth, the bacteria that make up the plaque can invade the gum tissue and enter the bloodstream, circulating throughout the body.  Once inside, the bacteria are able to secrete destructive chemicals and virulence factors. These factors activate the body's immune system to respond much in the same way as the body responds to infected cuts or illnesses like pneumonia - with inflammation, pain, and destruction of the tissues. The presence of long-standing periodontal disease can place you at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, as well as premature, low birth weight babies. In addition, periodontal disease is a serious threat to patients already affected by diabetes, respiratory diseases, and stroke.  Women, in particular, have special health needs during certain periods of their lives. These come during periods of maturity and change in their bodies: puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. What is not so widely known is that women's oral health needs can also change during these times.

Follow the preceding links to find out how 

Your Gums can affect Your Health.

Cardiovascular Disease

Bacterial infection has long been recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke.  More and more research is finding that the presence of periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection, can place a person at increased risk for heart disease, and increase the likelihood of a fatal heart attack by nearly TWO times (Beck et al, Journal of Periodontology, 1996). This connection has recently been featured in prominent news outlets like TIME Magazine (Health. July 19, 1999: Vol. 154, No. 3), USA Today (News. Tuesday, February 17, 1998), and Men's Health/ABCNews (Monday, December 20,1999). Follow the hyperlinks to read more.     How does this happen? First, periodontal disease increases the incidence of bacteremia (bacteria in the blood) which allows more bacteria to enter the bloodstream and accumulate along blood vessels and heart tissues. In fact, bacteria commonly associated with periodontal disease have been cultured from plaques taken from heart attack victims (Zambon et al, Journal of Dental Research, 1997). Certain oral bacteria are also able to bind to platelets when introduced into the bloodstream which can increase the formation of clots and growths on arteries and heart tissues (Herzburg et al, Journal of Periodontology, 1996).     More research is needed to confirm these mechanisms. The bottom line is that approximately 50% of the deaths in the United States are attributable to the complications of cardiovascular disease. If you are at risk for cardiovascular disease and/or periodontal disease, call one of our offices for a periodontal evaluation.

Remember: it's not just your gums, it's your health.

Diabetes

Diabetes affects 10-15 million Americans, and of these, perhaps only one-half are diagnosed. Current estimates indicate approximately 500,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. 

From these numbers, it is obvious that diabetes is a serious health problem in the United States. If you are of African-American, Hispanic, or from certain American Indian tribes, you are at an increased risk of diabetes.

For many years it has been known that patients with diabetes are more likely to  have periodontal disease than people without diabetes. In fact, periodontal disease has been recognized as another complication of diabetes (Loe, Diabetes Care, 1993).

However, recent studies have found the opposite is also true: the presence of periodontal disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Treatment of periodontal disease has been shown to result in significantly reduced blood sugar levels and better diabetic control. (Grossi et al, Journal of Periodontology, 1996, 1997)

Research is ongoing to confirm how this occurs. What has been confirmed is that the presence of periodontal disease causes the diabetic patient to have elevated blood glucose levels for extended periods of time. This puts diabetic patients at increased risk of other systemic complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, nerve disorders and impaired wound healing.

If you are one of the millions of Americans living with diabetes and/or periodontal disease, call one of our offices for a periodontal evaluation. 

Remember: it's not just your gums, it's your health.

Low Birth Weight Babies

Smoking, drug abuse, alcoholism, hypertension - all confirmed risk factors that contribute to pre-term, low birth weight babies.

Evidence is now available that a new risk factor, periodontal disease, can increase the risk of premature, low birth weight infants by SEVEN times - a risk greater than that posed by tobacco or alcohol (Offenbacher et al, Journal of Periodontology, 1996).

The facts are indeed alarming: pre-term low birth weight babies (weight < 2500 grams at birth) are 40 times more likely to die, they account for 2/3 of neonatal deaths, and are at increased risk for congenital deformities. More research is necessary to define the underlying mechanisms by which periodontal infections can affect the unborn child. However, one thing is clear: if you are thinking about becoming pregnant or are at risk for periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology recommends that a periodontal examination be included as part of your prenatal care.  Please call us so that we can help you plan for a happy, worry-free pregnancy by scheduling a periodontal evaluation. Remember: it's not just your gums, it's your (and your baby's) health.

Remember: it's not just your gums, it's your baby.

Women and Periodontal Disease

Although women in general tend to take better care of their teeth than men, their oral health is not that much better. Why? Because periodic fluctuations in hormone levels during the different stages of a woman's life can affect many different areas of the body, including the gingiva (the gums). 

Recent studies have shown that 23% of women ages 30 to 54 have periodontal disease and 44% of women ages 55 to 90 who still have their teeth also have periodontal disease. As mentioned earlier in our About Gum Disease... section, periodontal disease is a silent, slowly progressive condition that may not have any symptoms (i.e pain, loose teeth) until it is too late.

Puberty

Puberty in women is marked by an increase in the level of sex hormones (progesterone, estrogen) which increase the level of blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive to irritants like plaque or tartar. The gums may turn tender, red, and swollen during this time but these changes are usually temporary an diminish as a young woman gets older.

Menstruation

Sometimes women will notice bright red, swollen, bleeding gums and sores on the inside of the cheek just before their period. This menstruation gingivitis clears up once a woman's period has begun.

Pregnancy As mentioned above, women with infections such as periodontal disease are at risk for premature, low birth weight babies. Pregnancy also may bring certain gingival and periodontal changes for the expectant mother. During the second or third month of pregnancy, women may experience what is termed pregnancy gingivitis; a condition characterized by tender, swollen, bleeding gums. This condition, once present, may increase in severity through the eighth month of pregnancy then begin to resolve. In some cases, gums already sensitive and swollen due to pregnancy gingivitis can react strongly to irritants and form large lumps called pregnancy tumors. These tumors are NOT cancerous and are generally painless. Persistent tumors may have to be removed by a periodontist.

Oral Contraceptives

Women who use oral contraceptives may be experience similar symptoms as pregnant women in the form of red, swollen, bleeding gums. Women taking oral contraceptives should be aware that medications sometimes used to treat periodontal disease (i.e. antibiotics) can decrease the efficacy of their contraceptive medication. Be sure to ask your dentist, periodontist, or pharmacist before taking any prescribed medication while on oral contraceptive therapy. 

Menopause and Post-Menopause

Oral changes in menopausal or post-menopausal women may include dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gums, cheeks or tongue, or altered taste. In addition, conditions where the gums peel off and leave a raw bleeding surface (termed desquamative gingivitis) are more prevalent in menopausal or post-menopausal women. 

New research is finding that bone loss is associated with both periodontal disease and osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and proper nutrition which help fight osteoporosis may also be protective of the teeth.

What should you do?

• See your physician for yearly check-ups.

• See a dentist for cleanings twice a year.

• See a periodontist if you, your dentist or hygienist notice problems with your gum tissue.

• Tell your dentist, hygienist or periodontist about what medications you are taking and any changes in your health history.

• Brush and floss daily. 

• Use an ADA-approved fluoride tooth paste.

• E-mail us with any of your questions at info@gumsurgery.com

Useful Links

Women's Health on About.com - Tracee Cornforth is your guide to women's health issues. Includes forums, chat rooms, newsletter sent to members (Join free!).

Women.com Health Site - Useful information, bulletin boards, e-magazines.

DrKoop.com Women's Health Site - Experts assembled by Dr. C. Everett Koop, former U.S. Surgeon General 

Remember: it's not just your gums, it's your health.

Respiratory Disease

Our immune system is a powerful, indispensable tool necessary to fight off infection. For a long time, scientists have known that smoking, the aging process, and other health problems that suppress or hinder the immune system place patients at risk for respiratory diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Recent studies point to periodontal disease as a potential risk factor for the development of these respiratory diseases.

It is important to note that this area of research is ongoing but several facts have been established. The same bacteria that are associated with periodontal disease can also cause pulmonary disease (Lorenz and Weiss, Western Journal of Medicine, 1994; Benkalaramain et al, Chest, 1994).

Therefore, it is possible that diseased gums act as a reservoir for potentially infectious respiratory bacteria (Dahlen and Wickstrom, Oral Microbiology and Immunology, 1995).

In fact, a recently completed 25-year study found that patients with bone loss caused by periodontal disease places patients at a significantly increased risk of COPD (Hayes et al, Annals of Periodontology 1998). 

Therefore, if you are at risk for respiratory disease and/or periodontal disease, call one or offices for a periodontal evaluation.

 Remember: it's not just your gums, it's your health.