Study links gum disease to lung disease, cancer and heart failure

Most people are very familiar with the reality that, if they don't practice regular brushing and overall good dental hygiene, they are at risk for developing gum disease. Less well known is the full extent of the potential harm caused by gum disease. In addition to very unpleasant side effects including bad breath, mouth sores, and loss of teeth, research shows that the dangers of gum disease may have a negative impact on more than just your mouth. Recent studies have linked gum disease to other life threatening health concerns such as lung disease, cancer, and even heart failure. Dr. Peiman Soleymani of Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, a leading specialist in periodontal disease in Los Angeles, wants to make sure the public is aware of these well documented but somewhat surprising dangers.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases, or gum disease, can have a seriously negative impact on your health. The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily.

Untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a much more serious issue in which the plaque spreads below the gum line causing a build-up of bacteria that irritate the gums. This results in an inflammatory response in which the body turns on itself destroying the tissue and bone that supports the teeth.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Periodontitis is often referred to as the "silent affliction," due to the fact that symptoms are often subtle, or don't develop until the condition becomes advanced. Some warning signs to pay attention to are: red, swollen or tender gums and mouth pain, bleeding while brushing or eating, loose or separating teeth, and painful sores. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to contact your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible; without treatment your condition will not improve and will very likely worsen. Los Angeles area residents may want to contact Beverly Hills Periodontics for expert treatment.

Links to Serious Illness

The American Academy of Periodontology has found disturbing links between gum disease and other life threatening conditions. For example, people with diabetes are much more likely to have periodontal disease. The link is so well documented that periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes; some research suggests the relationship goes both ways, however.

Several studies have also shown a relationship between periodontal disease and lung disease. Research has found that bacteria growing in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs, and cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. Heart disease and stroke are also linked to periodontal disease which is most likely due to the body's inflammatory response to bacteria. In another disturbing development, researchers have found that men with gum disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer and 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Don't take chances with your teeth or your life. Contact the board certified experts at Beverly Hills Periodontics and Dr. Soleymani, a periodontist Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Greater Los Angeles area patients turn to first. For further information, please call 310-275-4606 or visit online at www.bhperiodontist.com today!