Understanding Gum Disease & Whole Health

Links between periodontitis and diseases              

There are close links between periodontitis and a myriad of systemic diseases. Let’s take a look:            

Diabetes                  

Diabetes has been associated with periodontal disease progression. Diabetic patients are more susceptible to periodontitis, especially when correlated to the level of blood sugar. The effect is negligible if blood sugar levels are under control and stable. Research has shown that the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis is bidirectional meaning that severe periodontitis can increase blood sugar. This, in turn, leads to poor diabetic control and exacerbates periodontitis.

Osteoporosis                      

Osteoporosis can cause the reduced bone mineral density of the jaw thereby decreasing support for the teeth and weakening their foundation. Periodontal disease can be aspirated into the lungs contributing to various respiratory diseases like pneumonia.

Heart Disease                    

Heart disease can increase when suffering from periodontitis and affect existing heart conditions.

Benefits of healthy gums        

According to research, men with periodontitis and cancer are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer (54%), kidney cancer (49%), and various blood cancers (30%) when compared to men without periodontal disease.    

According to Harvard Health Publications, healthy gums help against many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, dementia, and diabetes, among others. The longer you put off treatment of periodontitis, the worse it will get. There is no need to wait until you suffer from bone loss in your mouth. At Lakeshore Dental Specialists we strive to provide you with the best gum health treatments Detroit has to offer by using health procedures you need to correct your existing oral issues and prevent periodontitis.