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Periodontal Disease: Leading Cause of Adult Tooth Loss

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection. Without proper dental care the bacteria that are present in plaque can infect the gums (gingivitis) and destroy the bone and tissues that support the teeth in what is called periodontitis-- the leading cause of tooth loss and bad breath (halitosis) in adults. In addition, gum disease has been linked to more serious health threats such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and pre-term, low-birth weight babies.

Is periodontal disease contagious? Can it be passed from one person to another like tuberculosis or meningitis? Can you get periodontal disease by kissing someone who has it? The answer to all these questions is YES.

In a dental care article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, it was revealed that periodontitis might be passed from parents to children and between intimate partners.

The bacteria that inhabit the periodontal pockets are also present on the oral soft tissues, teeth, tongue and saliva. They can be transferred from one person to another through saliva, intimate kissing, sharing of food, utensils, or toothbrushes, and can result in exposure to saliva that contain the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

Based on these findings and the fact that periodontal disease has a genetic component, it is recommended that if one family member has periodontitis, all family members see a dental care professional or periodontist for a periodontal screening. Parents need to know that gum disease and halitosis are not just adult health problems and that children can also be affected.

To prevent transmission of periodontitis between family members or intimate partners, it is important to follow proper dental care and oral hygiene techniques that include daily brushing and flossing and to see a dental care provider routinely for professional cleanings and examinations.

By Laura Minsk, DMD

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Periodontal Disease is a Risk Factor for Systemic Disease

It is well known that periodontal (gum) diseases are a series of bacterial infections that destroy the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. What is commonly not thought of is how this oral infection can also affect the rest of the body.

An infection in the mouth can affect the overall health and have serious systemic (general body) manifestations. Like other infections, the bacterial cells that cause periodontal disease, or their toxic products, can enter the blood system and affect other organs.

Research studies indicate that periodontal infections can affect the overall health and that periodontal disease is a risk factor for many health problems.

Bacteremia: Bacteremia is an infection caused by infectious organisms in the blood system. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can enter the blood system through cuts in the gum provoked by normal chewing or brushing habits.

The bacteria can also enter the blood system directly through the infected gum tissue in a periodontal pocket. The more infected the gums are, the more likely bacteria are to enter the blood system. These bacteria can travel and infect other organs. The best way to prevent bacteremia caused by oral bacteria is by maintaining oral health.

Infective endocarditis: People that have damaged heart valves, a history of rheumatic fever with subsequent heart valve damage, aortic stenosis, certain heart murmurs, and mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation are at greater risk of developing infective endocarditis -- an infection of the lining and valves of the heart.

If not treated immediately with antibiotics, this infection can be fatal. The best way to prevent infective endocarditis is by minimizing the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Several periodontal treatments, like meticulous home care with brushing and flossing, combined with professional cleanings and modification of risk factors related to periodontal disease, are essential in controlling the bacterial infection.

In addition, the American Heart Association has recommended antibiotic treatment prior to certain dental procedures for people that are at high risk of infective endocarditis. These dental procedures include tooth extraction, surgical treatment, scaling and root planing, and implant treatment. Your dental care provider needs to be aware of your medical history in order to better treat you and prevent systemic complications.

Cardiovascular disease: Evidence suggests that having periodontal disease puts you at greater risk for cardiovascular disease. The bacteria that are normally found in the mouth have been found in the artery walls of people with cardiovascular disease. These bacteria can irritate the arteries, leading to fatty deposits and eventual blockage of the arteries resulting in heart attacks or strokes.

Heart attacks: The bacterial infection that causes periodontal disease may also affect the heart. In fact, all other conditions being equal, people with periodontal disease may have twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack as people that don't have periodontal disease.

Strokes: Strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked and there is reduction in the oxygen delivery to the brain cells. This can lead to paralysis, speech problems, and even death. A research study of 10,000 people found that periodontal disease can increase your risk of having a stroke by two-fold.

Artificial joints: Artificial joints or prosthetic devices may be vulnerable to infection by the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. These bacteria can enter the blood stream through small ulcerations in the gums or as a result of dental treatment. To prevent infection of artificial joints maintain meticulous oral hygiene and consult your dentist and physician about the possibility of antibiotic treatment before dental procedures.

Diabetes: Periodontal disease can increase insulin requirements and diabetic complications. Treating periodontal disease can actually reduce the need for insulin.

Respiratory disease: People with advanced periodontal disease are four and a half times more likely to have chronic respiratory disease. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be aspirated into the lungs increasing the risk for pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Once again, to prevent the serious systemic complications related to periodontal disease infection, see your dentist or periodontist for a periodontal screening and treatment as indicated. Treatment of periodontal disease may save your life!

Premature, low-birth weight babies: If you do have periodontal disease and are pregnant, you may have a higher risk of having a premature, low-birth weight baby. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are seven and a half times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small. This time, treating periodontal disease can help improve your health and that of your baby.

So, because periodontal infections can affect the overall health and periodontal disease is a risk factor for many health problems, seeking periodontal treatment can help improve your oral and overall health.

By Laura Minsk, DMD

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.