Family and General Dentist for Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas
The mouth is connected to the rest of the body. That is why good oral hygiene is so important at home. Furthermore, regular checkups and dental cleanings are vital to good oral health.
Gum disease has been linked to:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage. RA affects over 1.3 million Americans. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology revealed an additional possible RA adverse effect. It was discovered that patients with RA are eight times more likely than those without RA to have periodontal disease. Gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis are both systemic inflammatory disorders. This may explain the relationship between the two illnesses. However, the study cautions that inadequate oral hygiene alone cannot explain the link between RA and gum disease.
Cancers
Men are more at risk for developing some cancers in the presence of periodontal disease. An article published in The Lancet Oncology found that men with a history of periodontal disease are 14 % more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. Also, men with gum disease are 49 % more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54 % more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30 % more likely to develop blood cancers.
Kidney Disease
Another article published in Journal of Periodontology suggests that toothless adults may be more likely to have chronic kidney disease than adults with all of their teeth. Untreated periodontal disease leads to bone loss around teeth. The teeth become mobile and fall out. In the article, edentulous patients (patients missing all their teeth) were found to be significantly associated with chronic kidney disease. Both kidney disease and gum disease may be connected by chronic inflammation.
Your General Health and Periodontal Disease
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) asserts that research has linked periodontal disease to a number of grave ailments. The fundamental explanation is thought to be that the many germs in your mouth can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of your body.
When your immune system is strong, this bacteria is absolutely safe. It can, however, occasionally result in a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers have also found that, in the absence of effective therapies, gum disease can make diabetes worse over time.
Additionally, according to a study in the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease is particularly common in pregnant women and, if ignored, can have other negative effects like premature or low-birth-weight births.
What Are Signs of Periodontal Disease?
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Tooth loss
- Loose teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Persistent bad breath
Periodontal disease can have a domino effect on your health that can get worse over time. To avoid this, you should take good care of your teeth, watch out for any of the above signs, and go to the dentist regularly.
Family and General Dentistry is vital for your overall health. Dr. Nugent sees patients from Pasadena, Friendswood, Deer Park, La Porte, League City and Clear Lake. Dr. Nugent has been voted BEST PASADENA TEXAS DENTIST multiple times. Experience award winning family and general dentistry with Dr. Nugent. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas.
Or call us at 713-941-8261.