Periodontal, or gum, disease is the most prevalent dental problem in adults. The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Bacteria attacks the soft tissue and bone that support the tooth which can lead to loss of teeth and serious health problems if left untreated.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
There are several stages of periodontal disease. The earliest and reversible stage is called gingivitis. Symptoms include red and swollen gums that bleed during brushing and flossing. Other symptoms may include a receding gum line and bad breath. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. With professional treatment and good home care, gingivitis can be treated. However, if left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis comes in several forms:
Chronic periodontitis: This stage is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. It is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of gum tissue. Patients experience loss of tissue attachment and bone loss. If left untreated, patients may require gum surgery.
Aggressive periodontitis: This stage is a highly destructive form of periodontitis. It occurs in otherwise clinically healthy individuals. It is characterized by rapid loss of tissue attachment and destruction of bone. It may occur in localized or generalized patterns.
Periodontitis of a systemic disease: This stage can occur at a young age and is brought on by other medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Necrotizing periodontal disease: This stage is the most dangerous form of periodontal disease. It is characterized by the death of gingival tissues, periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone. Symptoms can include pain, bleeding, and a periodontal disease because of hormone fluctuations that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Research suggests that pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease are more at risk of preeclampsia and delivering underweight, premature babies.
Periodontitis increases levels of prostaglandin, which is one of the labor-inducing chemicals. Elevated levels prostaglandin may trigger premature labor, and increase the chances of delivering an underweight baby. Periodontal disease also elevates C-reactive proteins (which have previously been linked to heart disease). Heightened levels of these proteins can amplify the inflammatory response of the body and increase the chances of preeclampsia and low birth weight babies.
Mouth – Body Connection
Research studies have shown that there is a strong association between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease.
Common cofactors associated with periodontal disease:
Diabetes: A research study has shown that individuals with pre-existing diabetic conditions are more likely to either have, or be more susceptible to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can increase blood sugar levels which makes controlling the amount of glucose in the blood difficult. This factor alone can increase the risk of serious diabetic complications. Conversely, diabetes thickens blood vessels and therefore makes it harder for the mouth to rid itself of excess sugar. Excess sugar in the mouth creates a breeding ground for the types of oral bacteria that cause gum disease.
Heart Disease: There are several theories which explain the link between heart disease and periodontitis. One such theory is that the oral bacteria strains which exacerbate periodontal disease attach themselves to the coronary arteries when they enter the bloodstream. This in turn contributes to both blood clot formation and the narrowing of the coronary arteries, possibly leading to a heart attack.
A second possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease causes a significant plaque build up. This can swell the arteries and worsen pre-existing heart conditions. An article published by the American Academy of Periodontology suggests that patients whose bodies react to periodontal bacteria have an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Respiratory Disease: Oral bacterium linked with gum disease has been shown to possibly cause or worsen conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Oral bacteria can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract during the course of normal inhalation and colonize; causing bacterial infections. Studies have shown that the repeated infections which characterize COPD may be linked with periodontitis.
In addition to the bacterial risk, inflammation in gum tissue can lead to severe inflammation in the lining of the lungs, which aggravates pneumonia. Individuals who suffer from chronic or persistent respiratory issues generally have low immunity. This means that bacteria can readily colonize beneath the gum line unchallenged by bodyÕs immune system.
If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease and the mouth-body connection, please ask your dentist. We care about your overall health and your smile!