Please remember to turn off all cell phones prior to entering the treatment area. Interruptions to the dentists or assistants can affect the quality of treatment.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontitis:  At this stage:

  • Plaque has spread to the roots of your teeth
  • Infection continues to worsen
  • This infection has damaged the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place
  • Gums may have begun to pull away from your teeth forming a "pocket" below the gum line, which traps food, bacteria, plaque
  • Immediate treatment can stop further damage and tooth loss.

Advanced Periodontitis:  At this final stage of gum disease:

  • The fibers and bone that support your teeth are destroyed causing your teeth to be loose or move.  This movement of your teeth can affect your bite causing other dental problems and if not treated to save these teeth, they may need to be removed to prevent further damage. 

Diabetes and Gum Disease

STATISTICS: There are 23.6 Million people in the United States, or 8% of the population, who have diabetes.

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.

A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics are. Research has emerged that suggests the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes 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 high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.

This recommendation is supported by a study reported in the Journal of Periodontology in 1997 involving 113 Pima Indians with both diabetes and periodontal disease. The study found that when their periodontal infections were treated, the management of their diabetes markedly improved.

Heart Disease

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque buildup, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Periodontal Disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Types of Problems you may Experience:

  • Diminished salivary flow and burning mouth or tongue; dry, cracked lips
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia)
  • Increased incidence of decay and gum recession
  • Gingival inflammation and delayed healing

Treatment Options and Advice to Stay Healthy:

  • More frequent cleanings & dental exams
  • Stress free early morning appointments
  • Medicated mouth rinses
  • Prevent and treat all infections promptly
  • Meticulous homecare routine
  • Fluoride treatments and varnishes

© Copyright 2009 Leifeste Dental. All Rights Reserved.