Talk to your Woodlands Dentist about Periodontal Disease

Although the jury is still out and more studies are needed, your Woodlands Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Robert Dernick DDS believes that there is a strong connection between inflammation, bacteria, and periodontitis. Systemic diseases, blood disorders, diabetes, AIDS, and HIV infections lower your body’s resistance to bacterial infections making periodontal disease more severe.

Research conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found that periodontal disease could be responsible for chronic inflammatory conditions. The study showed that people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontitis. If periodontal disease is present, it could cause serious diabetic complications and a spike in blood sugar levels.

Contact your Woodlands Dentist if you think you may have periodontal disease as you could be increasing your risk of stroke and heart disease. Although the research is still being conducted, periodontal disease can increase the risks associated with heart disease and stroke. Scientists have begun to study the relationship between periodontal disease and inflammation. If you suffer from periodontal disease contact your Woodlands Dentist as you could be exacerbating any existing heart conditions.  

Other health issues that could be directly related to periodontal disease include osteoporosis. Research shows that there may be a link between jawbone loss and osteoporosis. Because bone density is lost with osteoporosis, it could also affect the bone that supports your teeth meaning that your teeth are no longer supported with a solid foundation.

Periodontitis could also lead to respiratory disease as the bacteria that grow inside your oral cavity could travel to the lungs causing upper respiratory issues like pneumonia.  

The, “Big C,” Cancer, could be linked to periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies show that people with serious gum disease are almost 50 percent more likely to develop certain kidney cancers while 54 percent of men are most likely to develop pancreatic cancer if not treated by a Woodlands Dentist.

If periodontal disease is left untreated by your Woodlands Dentist, your teeth will eventually become loose, fall out or have to be extracted.

Contact your Woodlands Dentist today if you are experiencing red, swollen or tender gums, loose or separating teeth, persistent bad bread or bleeding gums while flossing or brushing.

Periodontal disease is serious and the sooner you schedule an appointment with your Woodlands HillsDentist, the sooner you can get to the root of the problem.