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Periodontitis and Gum Disease Treatment

It's natural to want to lump people together in some Big Category. Natural, but wrong. Like, "Baby Boomer." President Clinton and home run slugger Mark McGwire are both "Boomers." But are these two guys exactly alike?

It's the same in health and dental care. Your oral chemistry is as unique as your thumbprint. Yet magazine stories claim "you" need only one dental appointment a year to stay healthy. They don't know you. They're referring to an "average" patient. Dental insurance plans also tend to believe in this mythical "average patient" and may not pay for more than a biannual visit.

Sure, two visits are fine for many patients, even most. But some mouths build up more tartar than others. Others are naturally decay-prone. Still others - and this is critical - may be showing signs of periodontal (gum) disease.

Bleeding gums need to be taken seriously. They're signs of an infection that can be a significant risk factor for heart disease, and, in fact, many serious illnesses. If you had a bleeding sore on your hand that didn't heal you'd get to a doctor for a checkup, right? Type I periodontitis (gingivitis) consists of tender gums and a little bacteria-filled pocket between your tooth and gum. It's easily treatable at this point. But if the infected pockets are allowed to enlarge and you get swollen gums, that inflammation can extend to the bone beneath and erode it.

Your periodontist's concern is for your health and your teeth, not whether you've made the standard number of appointments for this year. He or she wants the chemistry to be right in your mouth... and between the two of you.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Periodontal Disease is a Risk Factor for Systemic Disease

It is well known that periodontal (gum) diseases are a series of bacterial infections that destroy the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. What is commonly not thought of is how this oral infection can also affect the rest of the body.

An infection in the mouth can affect the overall health and have serious systemic (general body) manifestations. Like other infections, the bacterial cells that cause periodontal disease, or their toxic products, can enter the blood system and affect other organs.

Research studies indicate that periodontal infections can affect the overall health and that periodontal disease is a risk factor for many health problems.

Bacteremia: Bacteremia is an infection caused by infectious organisms in the blood system. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can enter the blood system through cuts in the gum provoked by normal chewing or brushing habits.

The bacteria can also enter the blood system directly through the infected gum tissue in a periodontal pocket. The more infected the gums are, the more likely bacteria are to enter the blood system. These bacteria can travel and infect other organs. The best way to prevent bacteremia caused by oral bacteria is by maintaining oral health.

Infective endocarditis: People that have damaged heart valves, a history of rheumatic fever with subsequent heart valve damage, aortic stenosis, certain heart murmurs, and mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation are at greater risk of developing infective endocarditis -- an infection of the lining and valves of the heart.

If not treated immediately with antibiotics, this infection can be fatal. The best way to prevent infective endocarditis is by minimizing the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Several periodontal treatments, like meticulous home care with brushing and flossing, combined with professional cleanings and modification of risk factors related to periodontal disease, are essential in controlling the bacterial infection.

In addition, the American Heart Association has recommended antibiotic treatment prior to certain dental procedures for people that are at high risk of infective endocarditis. These dental procedures include tooth extraction, surgical treatment, scaling and root planing, and implant treatment. Your dental care provider needs to be aware of your medical history in order to better treat you and prevent systemic complications.

Cardiovascular disease: Evidence suggests that having periodontal disease puts you at greater risk for cardiovascular disease. The bacteria that are normally found in the mouth have been found in the artery walls of people with cardiovascular disease. These bacteria can irritate the arteries, leading to fatty deposits and eventual blockage of the arteries resulting in heart attacks or strokes.

Heart attacks: The bacterial infection that causes periodontal disease may also affect the heart. In fact, all other conditions being equal, people with periodontal disease may have twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack as people that don't have periodontal disease.

Strokes: Strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked and there is reduction in the oxygen delivery to the brain cells. This can lead to paralysis, speech problems, and even death. A research study of 10,000 people found that periodontal disease can increase your risk of having a stroke by two-fold.

Artificial joints: Artificial joints or prosthetic devices may be vulnerable to infection by the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. These bacteria can enter the blood stream through small ulcerations in the gums or as a result of dental treatment. To prevent infection of artificial joints maintain meticulous oral hygiene and consult your dentist and physician about the possibility of antibiotic treatment before dental procedures.

Diabetes: Periodontal disease can increase insulin requirements and diabetic complications. Treating periodontal disease can actually reduce the need for insulin.

Respiratory disease: People with advanced periodontal disease are four and a half times more likely to have chronic respiratory disease. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be aspirated into the lungs increasing the risk for pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Once again, to prevent the serious systemic complications related to periodontal disease infection, see your dentist or periodontist for a periodontal screening and treatment as indicated. Treatment of periodontal disease may save your life!

Premature, low-birth weight babies: If you do have periodontal disease and are pregnant, you may have a higher risk of having a premature, low-birth weight baby. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are seven and a half times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small. This time, treating periodontal disease can help improve your health and that of your baby.

So, because periodontal infections can affect the overall health and periodontal disease is a risk factor for many health problems, seeking periodontal treatment can help improve your oral and overall health.

By Laura Minsk, DMD

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.