The Implications of Periodontal Disease on your Medical Health

Bad Breath and Periodontal Disease

Over 25 million Americans suffer with chronic bad breath. They resort to mints and sprays to mask the odor, but these products do not address the cause of the problem. Most cases of halitosis originate in the mouth. Bacteria that cause gum disease also release gasses called volatile sulfur compounds. These gasses are responsible to the odor of halitosis.

Low Birth Weight Babies

Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small.

If you are planning to become pregnant or are at risk for periodontal disease be sure to include a periodontal evaluation as part of your prenatal care.

Heart Disease and Gum Disease

For a long time we've known that bacteria may affect the heart. Studies suggest that gum disease could be as strong a risk factor for heart disease as smoking. Having uncontrolled gum disease can increase your risk of having a heart attack by 2.6X. Improving your gum health can improve your heart health.

Stroke and Gum Disease

Because of the way that periodontal disease affects your vessels there is evidence that gum disease can increase the probability of having a stroke by 2.8X.

Gum Disease and the Diabetic Patient

Many diabetics do not know there is a relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Each one can make the other one worse. A diabetic has a 3x greater risk of developing gum disease. Uncontrolled gum disease can make it more difficult to control the diabetic state. Studies show that having healthy gums will improve the management of your diabetic status. It may be possible to reduce your diabetic medications once your gum disease is controlled.