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Gum (periodontal) disease is not just bad for your teeth and gums. Research points to life-threatening consequences if the toxins from this chronic oral infection spread to the rest of the body. Conditions like heart and respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, some cancers and other seemingly unrelated issues are linked. If severe gum disease remains untreated, it may be a lot more than your teeth and gums that are ultimately affected. 
At Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics, we specialize in treating gum disease. We’ll tackle the infection with today’s latest procedures, like deep, specialized cleaning, antibiotics, laser surgery, grafting and other regenerative tissue procedures as needed. Our goal is to treat the serious bacterial infection in your mouth to not only help save your teeth, but, potentially, your life.
Why Do People Get Gum Disease?
We hate to point fingers, but the truth is that severe gum disease often results from ignoring oral health and allowing a buildup of plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria, on the gum line and teeth. At the initial stage of gum disease (what we call gingivitis), we can treat the issue and normally reverse the damage easily.
Beyond poor oral hygiene at home and a lack of professional dental maintenance, other contributing factors to gum disease can include diabetes, hormonal changes, stress and genetics.
Smoking May be the Biggest Culprit
The National Institute of Dental Health and Craniofacial Research presents interesting figures based on a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2009-2014. Their statistics concluded that severe gum disease (periodontitis) was most prevalent in men (50.2%), Mexican Americans (59.7%), adults below 100% of the federal poverty level (60.4%), current smokers (62.4%), and those who self-reported diabetes (59.9%).
Other Issues Related to Gum Disease
The list, unfortunately, keeps growing. In addition to the medical conditions already mentioned, gum disease has been linked to:
Steps to Help Prevent Gum Disease
1/Brush your teeth two times a day
2/Clean BETWEEN your teeth with some sort of interdental cleaner (floss) once daily
3/Visit your regular dentist twice a year for an examination and regular cleaning
4/Discuss your brushing technique with your dental professional – sometimes using a hard toothbrush or brushing too vigorously can cause recession
5/If you use tobacco, STOP. The National Institutes of Health state that “tobacco use is currently recognized as the MOST IMPORTANT RISK FACTOR FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE.”
6/Try for a healthy diet with exercise
7/ Reduce stress
Feel free to reach out to our office with questions about treating gum disease, the mouth-body connection or solutions to help refresh your smile and oral health, like dental implants.
“It’s rare to find a dental office where the front desk staff and the doctors/hygienists are equally as caring, competent and professional…”—Ina C. on Google Reviews
