Did you know that your head is connected to the rest of your body? And that your teeth, gums, tongue, etc., are part of your head – which is connected to the rest of your body? While these questions may seem absurd, many people typically don’t consider that poor oral health affects your overall health.
Case in point: periodontal (gum) disease. Mayo Clinic describes periodontal disease as “… a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss.”
As if that isn’t bad enough, untreated periodontal disease can also lead to serious health issues — such as heart disease, diabetic complications and respiratory infections, among others. Because the tendency is to think of oral health as the realm of a dentist and general health issues as the realm of a physician, making the link between the two is often missed.
How Periodontal Disease Begins and Progresses
Periodontal disease is primarily caused by the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth and gums. This buildup forms a sticky film — known as plaque — that hardens, eventually irritating and inflaming the gums. Plaque forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria commonly found in your mouth. If not removed by regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens to tartar — which can only be removed by a professional cleaning by your dentist.
Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease. However, it isn’t the only cause. As our blog post — “What is Periodontal Gum Disease?” — points out, other causes may include genetics and family history, hormones (particularly in pregnant women), stress, medical conditions (such as AIDS or cancer), medications that cause dry mouth, or using tobacco products.
Once periodontal disease takes hold, its progress is predictable if left untreated. The stages are as follows:
Gingivitis — The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis is also the easiest to reverse with the help of your dentist and an improved at-home oral care routine. Signs of gingivitis include swollen or inflamed (red) gums, as well as bleeding gums during brushing.
Chronic Periodontitis — Chronic periodontitis is the next level of gum disease, and it is much more serious. By this stage, your teeth are at greater risk for decay and loss due to a receding gumline and the development of gum pockets.
Aggressive Periodontitis — Gum disease may occur regardless of how thorough your oral hygiene routine is, and regardless of your age. While most forms of gum disease occur in adults, aggressive periodontitis can even affect children as a result of an over-colonization of bacteria in the mouth. The danger of not seeking treatment for aggressive periodontitis is the potential to lose permanent teeth at an early age.
Necrotizing Periodontitis — The most serious form of gum disease — necrotizing periodontitis (also known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis) —harshly erodes gum tissues, ligaments and the bones of the mouth. This form of periodontitis most frequently occurs in those who use tobacco, have a compromised immune system or are malnourished.
Health Conditions Linked to Untreated Periodontal Disease
The bacteria in infected gums doesn’t stay there. It can travel throughout your body, causing serious health conditions that may take years to develop. Because of its insidious nature, the origin of these conditions tends to not be obvious.
The following health conditions are provided by Colgate and Golden State Dentistry:
Heart disease and stroke — The bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and deposit plaques on the walls of your arteries. Known as atherosclerosis, this condition causes narrowed arteries, restricts blood flow, and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Plaque bacteria are also linked to endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium).
Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline — Recent research has found oral bacteria in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Scientists believe that chronic gum inflammation may contribute to the progression of cognitive diseases by triggering an immune response that harms brain cells.
Respiratory infections — Inhaling bacteria from infected teeth and gums over a long period could lead to infections in the lungs, as well as pneumonia.
Diabetic complications — People with diabetes are at increased risk of periodontal disease. In turn, periodontal disease can make your blood sugar difficult to control and make your diabetes worse.
Rheumatoid arthritis — The more tooth loss due to gum disease, the higher the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Pregnancy complications — Gum disease has been linked to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Infections in the gums can cause inflammation throughout the body, which may interfere with a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women should pay extra attention to their gum health and visit their dentist regularly. Our blog post — “What You Need to Know About Dental Care During Pregnancy” — covers this and many more topics of interest to expectant mothers.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease
Conscientious oral health practices are the best way to prevent periodontal disease, as well as tooth decay and other conditions. Of course, scheduling twice-yearly dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential. Regular examinations allow the dentist to observe changes or conditions that need treatment before they become critical, and remove plaque that brushing and flossing alone can’t accomplish. A basic oral care routine includes the following:
- Brush your teeth twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush; replace every three months.
- Gently scrape or brush your tongue and inside cheeks.
- Use an electric toothbrush to better remove plaque.
- Rinse with a mouthwash for at least 20 seconds to reduce plaque buildup.
- Floss daily, and effectively. Our blog post — “How to Floss Your Teeth Like a Pro” — provides instructions for best flossing techniques.
- Use dental picks or interdental brushes when floss is not available.
- Avoid tobacco products — which will also greatly improve your overall health.
The Take-home Message
In addition to the obvious — and ultimately devastating — outcome of untreated periodontal disease, this condition can lead to serious health issues throughout the body. Our blog post — “What is Periodontal Gum Disease?”— covers symptoms of and treatments for periodontal disease in detail. The bottom line? Maintaining excellent oral health is the best prevention!
At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.
Our team of experienced, dedicated dental professionals will help address your oral health concerns, and determine the best solution for you based on your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.
We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!
We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.
Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!