The Medical Consequences of Periodontal Disease
Why you need to treat it now, rather than later.

Introduction

"People think of gum disease in terms of their teeth, but they don't think about the fact that gum disease is a serious infection that can release bacteria into the bloodstream"

Dr. Robert Genco, editor Journal of Periodontology 

Heart Disease & Heart Attack

Recent studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 2.7 times more likely to suffer a heart attack.

Stroke

Studies have also shown that people with periodontal disease are 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke.

Pre-Term Childbirth

Women with periodontal disease are 7-8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to a low birth-weight baby.

Diabetes

Periodontal infection can raise blood sugar in diabetic patients. Periodontal treatment often results in a reduced need for insulin.

Respiratory Disease

Periodontal infection in the mouth can be breathed in and increase the severity of such respiratory diseases as pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema.

Your Bacteria Can Be Transmitted

Research using DNA testing has found that periodontal bacteria can be transmitted from parent to child and spouse to spouse.

Periodontal Infection is a Medical Problem

Periodontal disease is no longer thought of as just a dental problem. Research is finding many correlations between periodontal infection and serious medical problems.

Some Patients are At Higher Risk

These correlations are particularly serious for those patients who are in a higher risk category such as:

Those having a personal or family history of:

Those having higher risk lifestyles, including:

Higher Risk Patients

If you have been told you have periodontal infection (or have some of its symptoms), it is vital that you seek evaluation and treatment.