Different complications that can be brought by periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammatory disease of the gingival and the surrounding gum tissue around the teeth. This is more commonly known as gum disease and it is the number one cause of tooth loss of adults after the age of 30. It has been believed that 80% of the population above the age of 30 may have suffered from this disease with varying degrees of severity. Many scientific studies have proven that gum disease are related to a lot of serious medical conditions that is why most people who suffer from it are looking for different treatment for periodontal disease.
People who have a long term periodontal disease have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The more the severity of one’s gum problem, the greater is the risk. It has been suggested through research that the bacteria that is responsible for periodontitis can travel through the bloodstream to the arteries in the heart. There, they can trigger a cycle of inflammation and arterial narrowing that contributes to heart attacks. Bacteria in the mouth also make a person more prone to develop blood clots, increasing the likelihood of a stroke.
Pregnant women who suffer from periodontal disease may be much more likely to give birth to a premature baby than women with healthy gums. It has been found that having such gum problems appears to limit the growth of the fetus in the womb and may trigger high levels of substances that induce labor. The problem can also be exacerbated in women who have diabetes, those who are already considered at high risk of pregnancy problems.
Uncontrolled blood sugar is another complication brought about by periodontal disease. This is because any infection in the body can raise the blood sugar level which requires more insulin to keep it in check. Pneumonia is another problem which is caused by the inhalation of bacteria from the mouth into the lungs resultinh to aspiration pneumonia. This is a condition that’s especially common in hospitals where patients may be sedated or have tracheal tubes.
The primary cause of periodontal disease is plaque. That is why a good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is the best periodontitis treatment. It is best to visit the dentist or dental hygienist in order to determine the extent of the problem. If periodontitis is left uncontrolled, it may lead not only to the loss of teeth including the severe complications mentioned above.
