Periodontics

Smoking/Tobacco Use:
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous additional health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users are also at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Genetics:
Research shows that up to 30% of the population may be genetically pre-disposed to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early preventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for their lifetime.

Pregnancy and Puberty:
As a woman, you know that your health needs are unique. Brushing and flossing daily, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are all important to help you stay in shape. You also know that at specific times in your life, you need to take extra care of yourself. Times when you mature and change, for example, puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these times, your body experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues in your body, including your gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver pre-term, low birth weight babies.

Stress:
Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that stress is also a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research indicates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.

Diabetes:
Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the key component in the body’s ability to use blood sugars) or the body’s inability to use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however more than half have not been diagnosed with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal (gum) diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.

Medications:
Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your doctor about your taking these medications, and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.

Clenching or Grinding You Teeth:
Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore from clenching your teeth when you’re taking a test or solving a problem at work? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.

Poor Nutrition:
Diets low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.

Heart Disease:
An article published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), suggests that periodontal patients whose bodies show evidence of a reaction to the bacteria associated with periodontitis may have an increased risk of developing heart disease.