Medical Consequences

If you have reviewed some of the information on this site already, then you are beginning to address the commonly asked question, “What is periodontal disease?” If you have not reviewed the information about gum disease, what it is, and the causes of gum disease, we highly recommend you do so by visiting our Periodontal Disease page. We provide detailed information on what periodontal disease is; the causes of gum disease, the importance of periodontal treatment, and what a periodontist is and does, for a more comprehensive understanding of the disease and its treatment. The goal of D & D Periodontal Associates, P.C., is to, not only offer excellent gum disease treatment services, but to offer educational information so that individuals can work toward preventing the onset of gum disease in every way possible.

Sadly enough, periodontal disease is a significant issue in the United States. Many people actually have gum disease and do not even realize it. A dreadful infection, periodontal disease releases bacteria into an individual’s bloodstream and therefore causes a whole host of other health complications. Gum disease is not solely a dental issue; periodontal disease can have a myriad of effects on one’s overall health and general well being. Plainly stated; periodontal disease is a medical condition, one of a serious nature, requiring the treatment of a qualified periodontist.

Periodontal disease is no longer thought of as just a dental problem. Research is finding many correlations between periodontal infection and serious medical problems.

Below, some of the complications associated with gum disease are indicated and examined.

Conditions Related to Gum Disease

Cardiac Issues and Strokes

Did you know that gum disease increases one’s propensity to have a heart attack? It is true; scientists and researchers have discovered that if an individual has gum disease, he or she is 2.7 times more likely to suffer from a heart attack. One also has an increased chance for having a stroke as well. In fact, with gum disease, it has been revealed that an individual increases the risk associated with having a stroke as much as three times!

• The American Academy of Periodontology offers more information in the publication entitled Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke.

Any of the above symptoms, either singularly or combined, is an indication that an individual should seek out a professional like a certified periodontist. The signs listed above are indicative of periodontal infection which requires treatment in order to restore one?s oral health. One should contact a general dentist or certified periodontist as soon as possible to schedule an evaluation and to develop a plan of treatment.

Women's Health and Gum Disease

Good periodontal treatment can minimize the risks that women face with the onset of gum disease. Women increase the likelihood of giving birth preterm or having babies with a low birth weight as much as seven to eight times! A woman should ensure that her gum health is optimized before becoming pregnant to ensure a healthy baby and delivery. If the early warning signs of gum disease are detected before, during, or after pregnancy, it is an indication that the woman should seek out the services of a qualified, professional, and highly trained periodontist to address issues related to gum disease and oral health.

• For detailed information about women, life changes, hormonal changes, and gum disease, read the American Academy of Periodontology’s publication entitled Gum Disease and Pregnancy Problems.

Diabetes

People with chronic conditions like Diabetes require unique dental and periodontal care. Since one is prone to infection when a disease like Diabetes is present, an individual’s risk of getting gum disease increases dramatically. Good periodontal treatment and appropriate periodontal care helps to lower the need for insulin, and with appropriate treatment, a Diabetic individual can even improve glycemic control overall.

• For more information about the benefit of periodontal therapy in Diabetic patients, review the American Academy of Periodontology’s publication entitled Periodontal Therapy May Help Diabetic Patients Improve Sugar Control.
• For a more comprehensive understanding of gum disease and its overall effect on Diabetic individuals, review the American Academy of Periodontology’s publication entitled Gum Disease and Diabetes.

Gum Disease and Respiratory Disease

With the onset of periodontal disease, an individual is more likely to become ill with other diseases. Periodontal disease can cause respiratory issues when the periodontal infection is inhaled via the mouth. Complications with diseases like bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia can result in an individual suffering from gum disease.

• For a better understanding of gum disease and its role in the aggravation and/or onset of respiratory issues, review the publication offered by the American Academy of Periodontology entitled Gum Disease and Respiratory Diseases.

Periodontal Bacteria is Transmissible?

It’s true; periodontal bacteria is transmissible. Scientists utilizing advanced DNA testing and technology have recently revealed that if an individual has gum disease then the bacteria associated with the disease can be passed on to one’s spouse and/or children. Keep your entire family their healthiest by seeking the services of the best periodontist in your area.

Oral Health Issues

Loose teeth, tooth loss, a gummy smile, sore gums, bleeding gums, painful brushing, difficulty chewing, longer tooth appearance, gingivitis, chronic bad breath, and periodontitis are some of the effects associated with gum disease onset. If you need dental implants, New York periodontists are ready to assist you with your needs. If you need perio surgery, a deep cleaning, crown lengthening, sinus grafts, sinus lifts, bone grafts, gum treatment or you simply want an evaluation, we at D & D Periodontal Associates, P.C., in Midtown Manhattan, are prepared to address your every periodontal need. We provide our services to all individuals in Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Outer Boroughs. Visit D & D Periodontal Associates, P.C. and optimize your oral health as well as your health in general.