Dangers Of Progressive Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that affects millions of Americans. According to studies by the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), almost half of American adults above 30 years of age are impacted by periodontal disease. The symptoms can often go unnoticed until it is too late for treatment.

Our oral health plays a major role in our general well-being, and any oral health issues can affect the rest of your body. Neglecting your oral health can lead to periodontal disease and possibly progress into more severe health conditions. 

How does the periodontal disease develop?

Plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth starts the progression of gum disease. These bacteria release toxins that irritate the gum tissues and bone structures, resulting in tooth loss and chronic inflammation response by the body’s defenses.

Younger patients don’t typically show signs of periodontal disease because the beginning of periodontal infection can be symptomless and painless. The disease progresses over time and typically becomes more prevalent when a person turns 30 or 40.

Signs of a periodontal disease

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Red or inflamed gum tissues
• Bleeding gums upon brushing or flossing
• Pain upon chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gum tissue

Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. This initial stage is called gingivitis and is reversible with proper dental and oral hygiene care. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of the gum tissues due to periodontal infection. Once the periodontal disease progresses past the gingivitis stage, it can only be managed and not reversed. 

Conditions that periodontal disease can trigger include:

Heart disease

Chronic inflammation is an enemy of our bodies. It becomes a problem when the body starts to attack healthy cells. 

• According to the American Heart Association, poor dental hygiene patients are 3x more prone to developing heart disease. 
• Periodontal disease also has a negative effect on blood pressure. The condition can disrupt the effects of high blood pressure medications.
• Researchers have found that the presence of periodontal disease increases a patient’s risk for heart attack by 49%.

Inflammation in your mouth is directly related to inflammation in your heart. The treatment for periodontal disease has shown a decrease in some patients’ blood pressure.

Marielaina Perrone DDS encourages her patients to maintain regular dental visits to stay on top of the development and progression of periodontal disease. You can maintain regular dental visits to stay on top of your at-home dental hygiene.

Diabetes

Bacteria thrive in the presence of sugar. High glucose levels in the body help the bacteria flourish. Periodontal disease increases blood sugar levels, increasing your risk for Type 2 diabetes.

How does periodontal disease increase blood sugar levels?

The bacteria that infect the gums will flow into the bloodstream and cause a reaction by the body’s immune system. In defense, the body will trigger the rise in blood sugar levels to fight off the bacteria.

Since chronic inflammation is associated with periodontal disease, blood sugar levels can be hard to control in patients with diabetes. Diabetes can also make it hard for the body to fight off infections, including periodontal disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis

A specific bacteria called Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans are present in both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis patients. This bacteria triggers the inflammatory autoimmune response of our body’s defense system, making the immune system’s proteins overactive. This leads to joint inflammation.

Alzheimer’s disease

Periodontal disease has also been shown to be linked to an increase in a patient’s risk for Alzheimer’s. The bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) found in periodontal disease has also been found in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease affecting approximately 5 million Americans. Experts have warned that to avoid developing complications like Alzheimer’s, periodontal disease prevention is essential.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, COPD, and asthma are other health conditions affected by chronic inflammation. According to the American Thoracic Society, periodontal infection triggers the immune system and causes systemic inflammation, including the airways and lungs.

Coronavirus is an infectious respiratory infection with a high mortality rate. With chronic inflammation in periodontal disease patients, they have an increased chance of becoming infected with COVID and suffering possibly worse complications than those without periodontal disease.

Marielaina Perrone DDS wants to help prevent this from happening to you and your family.

Prevent periodontal disease from putting you at risk of COVID

Periodontal disease affects millions of Americans, but it can be controlled with regular dental visits. 

If you have dental health concerns that need to be addressed or are ready to restore and enhance your smile, contact us at 702-458-2929 to book your no-cost smile makeover consultation with Marielaina Perrone DDS. We cannot wait to help you with your smile to create the smile of your dreams in Henderson, Summerlin, and Las Vegas, NV.

Author Bio

Marielaina Perrone, DDS, is a highly experienced and dedicated dental professional passionate about delivering exceptional patient care. With over 20 years of experience in the dental industry, Dr. Perrone is widely regarded as a leading authority in her field, with a reputation for providing innovative solutions and personalized care to her patients.