Your Gums – Really Important Things You Need To Know!!
Research is finding links between gum disease and premature birth. Also, low birth weight is linked to gum disease. Low birth weight is associated with a range of health problems for children. Some estimates indicate nearly 20% of premature births may be linked to gum disease.
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can increase susceptibility to gum disease. These issues are generally readily addressed with regular hygienist visits.
For a long time it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked gum (periodontal) disease to other disease in the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for the association.
Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage gum diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Diabetic patients are more likely to develop gum disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections.
In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk. Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways - periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.
Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.
Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease and increases the risk of heart disease.
It’s the inflammatory condition that may be responsible for the association. Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions.
There is a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation.
Respiratory diseases such as pneumonia can occur in people with periodontal disease due to bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs.
