Over one half of the adults in America will have periodontal disease during their lifetimes.  Unfortunately, most of these people will not realize they have a problem because periodontal disease develops silently and painlessly.

Recent medical research has found a relationship between periodontal infection and more serious health problems such as cardiovascular (heart) disease, respiratory (lung) disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, pregnancy problems and smoking.

Periodontal disease can cause you to lose more than your teeth.  Periodontal infection and its relation to your general health are discussed below:

Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease

People with periodontal disease (a bacterial infection) may be at more risk to develop heart disease and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack.  The bacteria and the chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease are considered the links to heart disease.

Respiratory (Lung) Disease

If you have periodontal disease, you may be at an increased risk of respiratory disease.  Medical studies indicate the bacteria associated with periodontal disease can spread into the lungs by aspiration.  Additional research is being conducted to better understand this relationship.

Osteoporosis

Researchers have suggested a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. The studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone supporting the teeth is decreased.  Hormone replacement therapy and osteoporosis medications tended to offer protection to the jaw bone.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to infections.  Those diabetics that do not have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.  Research has shown that untreated periodontal disease makes it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels.  Therefore, diabetics should eliminate all periodontal infections to better control their diabetes and prevent further complications.

Pregnancy Problems

Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.  More research is needed to fully explain how periodontal disease affects pregnancy.  It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased hormone levels that induce labor.  Women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.

Any infection is a cause of concern among pregnant women because of the risk to the baby.  All women considering pregnancy should have a periodontal evaluation.

It is not normal for your gums to bleed during pregnancy.  This warning sign should not be ignored.

Smoking

In addition to the general health problems caused by smoking, periodontal disease is significantly worse in smokers.  The chemicals in smoke slow down the healing process and speed up the progression of periodontal infection leading to tooth loss.  Smokers lose more than twice the number of teeth than non-smokers.  Other tobacco products are harmful to your periodontal health.  Smokeless tobacco users (snuff or chewing tobacco) have a much higher incidence of gum recession and oral cancer. You will be encouraged to stop smoking to help us save your teeth and your life.