Periodontal and Gum Disease

You are probably familiar with the links between smoking and lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Current studies have now linked periodontal disease with smoking. These cases may be even more severe than those of non-smokers. There is a greater incidence of calculus formation on teeth, deeper pockets between gums and teeth as well as greater loss of the bone and fibers that hold teeth in your mouth. Your chance of developing oral cancer increases with the use of smokeless or chewing tobacco.Chemicals in tobacco smoke such as nicotine and tar slow down healing and the predictability of success following periodontal treatment.

Problems caused by smoking include:
Lung disease, heart disease, cancer, mouth sores, gum recession, loss of bone and teeth, bad breath, tooth staining, less success with periodontal treatment, and with dental implants. Quitting smoking will reduce the chance of developing the above problems.

Individuals suffering from diabetes, have a higher risk of developing bacterial infections of the mouth. These infections may impair your ability to process insulin, resulting in greater difficulty with controlling your diabetes. Periodontal diseases will be more severe than those of a non-diabetic therefore treatment more difficult. Well-controlled diabetics have a lower incidence of cavities.

Steps to prevent periodontal disease include daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque from your teeth and gums, regular dental visits for professional cleaning, and regular periodontal evaluation. Your health professional must also be told of your history and the current status of your condition. Finally, you can help resist periodontal infection by maintaining control of your blood sugar levels.

It is possible that if you have periodontal disease, you may be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease. It has been known that bacteria may affect the heart. Evidence is now mounting, that suggests people with periodontal disease may be more at risk for heart disease, and have nearly twice the risk of suffering a heart attack, than patients without periodontal disease.

While more research is needed to confirm how periodontal bacteria may affect your heart, one possibility is that periodontal bacteria enter the blood through inflamed gums and cause small blood clots that contribute to clogged arteries. Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits inside heart arteries.

One out of 5 Canadians has one or more types of heart disease. If you are one of these people, or you are at risk for periodontal disease, see a periodontist for an evaluation, because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.

Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal changes affect tissue throughout the body. Fluctuations in levels occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. At these times, the chance of periodontal disease may increase, requiring special care of your oral health.

Your gums and teeth are also affected during pregnancy. Between the second and eighth month, your gums may also swell, bleed, and become red or tender. Large lumps may appear as a reaction to local irritants. These growths are generally painless and not cancerous. They may require professional removal, but usually disappear after pregnancy.

Periodontal health should be part of your prenatal care. Any infections during pregnancy, including periodontal infections, can place a baby’s health at risk.

The best way to prevent periodontic infections is to begin with healthy gums and continue to maintain your oral health with proper home care and careful monitoring.

Swelling, bleeding, and tenderness of the gums may also occur when you are taking oral contraceptives, which are synthetic hormones.

You must mention any prescriptions you are taking, including oral contraceptives, prior to medical or dental treatment. This will help eliminate the risk of drug interactions, such as antibiotics with oral contraceptives – where the effectiveness of the contraceptive can be lessened.