Periodontal health and Overall health

 

Periodontal diseases and conditions can have serious effects not only on your smile but also on your overall health. Periodontal (gum) disease is linked to numerous systemic conditions and may impact your overall health.  Periodontal disease can cause problems in other parts of the body and can worsen an already- existing condition. Also, diseases or conditions not related to the mouth can contribute to the development or progression of periodontal disease.

These conditions are:

• Diabetes

• Heart disease and Stroke

• Osteoporosis

• Respiratory diseases

• Pregnancy

• Other hormone related changes: puberty, menstrual cycle, menopause

 

Periodontal health risk factors

 

You may keep your smile bright and healthy and decrease the chance of developing, progressing, or relapsing  of periodontal disease by controlling certain/some factors and through preventative care. 

Those factors are:

 

• Poor oral hygiene

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria present in the plaque or film that forms along the gumline  and leads to the destruction of the peridontal tissues (gums and bone) supporting the teeth. Proper oral hygiene is of paramount importance in maintaining periodontal health through the removal of the plaque.

 

• Smoking and tobacco use

 Tobacco users/smokers have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Smoking is one of the most significant  risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. Smoking lowers the chances for successful periodontal treatment. Also, smokers who had undergone periodontal treatment are at a higher risk for relapse.

 

• Poor nutrition

Poor nutrition can compromise the body's immune system and worsen the condition of the periodontal disease.

 

• Stress

Stress is linked to many serious health conditions including periodontal disease by interfering with the body's ability to fight off infection.

 

• Certain medications

 Many medications such as blood pressure drugs, oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, anticonvulsants, and steroids can affect your gums. Many have side effects, reduce saliva, or impair the immune system making you more prone to periodontal disease and tooth decay. Some medicines may increase the risk of abnormal tissue growth.

 

• Systemic illness

 Diseases that affect the whole body such as diabetes, AIDS, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis can lower the resistance to infection and put you at a higher risk for periodontal disease.

 

• Family history

Some people are more genetically susceptible to developing gum disease.  Early treatment and sometimes more aggresive treatments are required to keep the teeth for a lifetime.

 

• Hormonal changes

Teens, pregnant women, and those taking oral contraceptives have changes in the hormone levels which can cause the gums to become more sensitive to plaque bacteria. In pregnant women periodontal disease is associated with low birth weight and premature labor.

 

• Clenching and grinding of teeth

Clenching or grinding leads to excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the progression of periodontal disease.

 

• Alcohol

Heavy drinking can irritate the gums, tongue, and oral tissues and hault your oral hygiene routine which in turn puts you at a higher risk for periodontal disease.  Also, it is associated with an increased risk for oral cancer especially in smokers. Heavy drinking can contribute to poor healing after surgery.