Facts about Periodontal Disease may affect your systemic health and how your systemic health can affect the severity of your Periodontal Disease

• Preterm or Low Birth-Weight Babies
  • Women who have periodontal disease appear to be more likely to give birth prematurely or to have an underweight child.
  • At least one study says that women with periodontal infections are up to 8 times more likely to have an adverse birthing outcome.
  • Studies have now shown that women with periodontal disease who have been treated have a decreased incidence of premature birth compared to women who have untreated periodontal disease.
  • Oral microbes can cross the placental barrier, exposing the fetus to infection.
• Heart Disease
  • Patients with active periodontal disease have been shown to be at greater risk for a fatal heart attack.
  • The odds are about 2 and a half times.
• Respiratory Infections
  • Inhaling bacteria from the mouth and throat can lead to pneumonia.
  • Dental plaque buildup creates a dangerous source of bacteria that can be inhaled into the lungs.
• Osteoporosis
  • Reduction in bone mass has been associated with more severe gum disease as well as an increased risk of tooth loss
  • Greater amounts of Periodontal bone loss has been found in postmenopausal women.
• Stroke
  • Patients with active periodontal disease have been shown to have a greater risk of stroke.
• Diabetes Mellitus
  • Diabetes is becoming a major healthcare issue in the United States.
  • 5% of all Americans have diabetes
  • Researchers estimate that of the 5%, half do not even know that they are affected.
  • Multiple studies have shown that patients with diabetes have more severe periodontal infections.
  • At least one study has shown that the treatment of Periodontal disease can improve your diabetic control by as much as 20%.
  • One study has shown that smokers with diabetes have an increased risk of tooth loss by a factor of 20 times.