The Mouth-Body Connection
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition caused by infection of the gum tissues surrounding teeth. If left uncontrolled, infection penetrates deeper into the space around a tooth, causing inflammation. Inflammation leads to the destruction of bone and ligaments around the teeth. The end result of untreated periodontal disease is tooth loss. Halting the progression of periodontal disease and maintaining excellent standards of oral hygiene will not only reduce the risk of gum disease and bone loss, but also reduce the chances of developing other serious illnesses.
Common Co-Factors Associated With Periodontal Disease
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Pregnancy Complications
During pregnancy a woman will experience many changes in hormones and molecules within the blood. Some of these directly impact the gum tissues in the mouth or can stimulate birthing issues. One such hormone that can become off balance is called prostaglandin. Normally, this hormone is in very low production. At the right times, this hormone becomes elevated to help regulate inflammation and begin the delivery process of a newborn. Unfortunately, when a mother has uncontrolled gum disease, prostaglandin production can increase too early. If this production of prostaglandin becomes too high, early contractions leading to premature birth and a low birth weight is a serious problem that can occur. The bacteria that are found in gum disease actually stimulate your body to produce more prostaglandin at the wrong time.
Respiratory Disease
In addition to the bacterial risk, inflammation in gum tissue can lead to severe inflammation in the lining of the lungs, which aggravates pneumonia. Individuals who suffer from chronic or persistent respiratory issues generally have low immunity. This means that bacteria can readily colonize beneath the gum line unchallenged by the body’s immune system.
Useful Links
- Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
- Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis
- Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy
- Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Maintenance
- Mouth – Body Connection
- Causes of Periodontal Disease
- Types of Periodontal Disease
Contact Our Denver-Area Periodontists
We Are Colorado’s Premier Provider of Dental Implants & Periodontics
Address
2900 South Peoria Street Building D.
Aurora, CO 80014
Hours
Mon - Thu: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fri - 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sat, Sun: Closed
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26 W Dry Creek Circle
#300
Littleton, CO 80120
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Mon - Fri: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sat, Sun: Closed