Preventative Dentistry:
Periodontal Disease
In July of 1998, the American Academy of Periodontology launched an effort to educate the public about new findings which support what dental professionals had long suspected: Infections in the mouth can wreak havoc elsewhere in the body. Since the effort was launched, evidence has continued mounting the support of these links.
Risks of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Research is suggesting that this may:
- Contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation’s leading cause of death
- Increase the risk of stroke
- Increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low birth weight baby
- Pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory diseases, or osteoporosis
Signs & Symptoms
While additional research must take place to confirm the speculation that people with periodontal disease are at higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, preterm births and respiratory disease, periodontists do know that periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and all infections are a cause for concern.
How to Prevent
The American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry all recommend comprehensive periodontal evaluations at every re-care visit. They also recommend getting regular cleanings 3-4 times a year depending on the individual. With every visit to our skillful hygienists, we will take comprehensive measurements to ensure your optimum oral health. We will also utilize the newest state-of-the-art techniques to remove any infection or bacterial invasion that is discovered.