Long-Term Consequences of Periodontal Disease

12:00 PM

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque. It often results from poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, or by having misaligned teeth that are difficult to clean. Patients with gum disease often report sensitive, bleeding gums, or loose teeth; however, some people experience no symptoms at all until the disease has progressed to a more advanced case.

As periodontal disease relatively painless in its early stages, many people are often unaware that they are experiencing the condition, leading to a failure to treat the condition before irreparable damage has been done to the dentition.

Treatment neglect can also lead to a number of secondary health conditions that may put patients at risk of compromising their overall health. Some of these secondary consequences include:

Heart Disease: While no studies have indicated a cause-and-effect relationship between the two conditions, there have been indicators that the presence of periodontal disease can increase the likelihood of heart disease.

Stroke: Similar to the relationship between heart disease and periodontal disease, studies have indicated that gum disease may increase the risk of stroke, suggesting a causal relationship between the two conditions.

Diabetes: Research suggests that there is a sinister correlation between diabetes and periodontal disease. Not only do patients with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing gum disease, but the presence of periodontal disease in diabetes sufferers can increase blood sugar and therefore the risk of diabetic complications.

Systemic Diseases: For patients suffering from osteoporosis, advanced periodontitis can increase the likelihood of tooth loss as the combined conditions may accelerate bone deterioration in the jaw.

High-Risk Pregnancies: Given that hormonal changes may increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Unfortunately, this can also increase the likelihood of a high-risk pregnancy, with many expectant mothers suffering from gum disease experiencing premature birth or delivering underweight babies.

Make an Appointment! 

While there are a number of serious consequences that may arise from periodontal disease, it is important to remember that this condition can be prevented through the establishment of an effective oral hygiene routine. Frequent visits to our Lacey dentists also play an important role in preventing the onset of gum disease. To schedule your next dental appointment, contact Light Dental Studiosof Lacey today.  

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