Periodontal Disease affects almost 90% of the adult population. It is a silent, painless disease caused when bacteria or plaque attacks the gums. Recent medical evidence supports the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. People with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have a fatal heart attack as those without periodontal disease.

Because periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, then bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart and begin new infections. It has been shown that the same bacteria found beneath the gums attaches to the plaques in clogged heart arteries. This contributes to blood clots that cause heart attacks.

Also, existing heart conditions such as murmurs and mitral valve prolapse can make the heart susceptible to life threatening infections caused by oral bacteria.

Before heart surgery, a complete periodontal examination should be performed.

What is the Link between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease?

Diabetic control is a key element. Diabetic patients are more likely to develop chronic periodontal infections. Infections can make diabetes more difficult to control. People with poor blood sugar control get gum disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than do persons with good control. Tooth loss can make it difficult to chew and digest food. For diabetic patients this can have a devastating impact on the ability to maintain proper nutrition and control blood sugar. However, people whose diabetes is well controlled have no more periodontal disease than persons without diabetes.

Children with IDDM (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) are also at risk for gum problems. Good diabetic control is the best protection against periodontal disease. Studies show that controlling blood sugar levels lowers the risk of some complications of diabetes, such as eye and heart disease and nerve damage. Scientists believe many complications, including gum disease, can be prevented with good diabetic control.

Women have unique health care needs. These needs change with your body; during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause for example. Your oral health and overall health is connected. Hormonal fluctuations throughout a women's life can affect many tissues including gum tissue. These changes may increase susceptibility to Periodontal Disease and require you to take special care of your health.

Puberty and Menstruation

As a young woman matures, the production of sex hormones increases. The increase in the hormone levels can cause an increase in the gums sensitivity and greater reaction to irritation such as plaque. Gums can become red, swollen and tender.

Some women experience similar symptoms 3-4 days prior to their period. These women experience Menstruation Gingivitis, which is increased bleeding and swelling of the gums or sores in the cheeks right before the period has started. It is important to maintain good hygiene during these periods of hormonal fluctuations so that the gum and bone surrounding the teeth are not damaged. Sometimes periodontal treatment is needed.

Pregnancy and Oral Contraceptives

Teeth and gums are affected by pregnancy. Pregnancy Gingivitis is the most common periodontal disease experienced by pregnant women. This usually begins during the second or third month of pregnancy and increases in severity throughout the eight month. During this time the gums become swollen, tender, red and bleed easily. In some cases, swollen gums can become pregnancy tumors which are large, red growths that bleed easily around one or more teeth. These are non cancerous and usually require removal by a periodontist. The best way to avoid gum conditions during pregnancy is to begin with healthy gums. A complete periodontal evaluation is recommended. Gum disease during pregnancy can also increase the risk of pre-term or low birth weight babies.

Birth Control Pills

Oral contraceptives can make you susceptible to the same oral health conditions that affect pregnant women. The synthetic hormones in birth control pills are designed to mimic pregnancy and may cause your gums to turn red, bleed or become swollen. Always tell your dental or medical care provider if you are on the pill. They can help avoid the risk of drug interactions.

Menopause

If you are menopausal or post menopausal your mouth may look or feel different. You may experience discomfort in your mouth including pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste especially salty, peppery and sour.

Menopausal Gingivostomatitis

Is a rare condition that is marked by gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from pale to deep red. During this period is a womens life, professional cleanings and diligent home care is critical.

Smokers and those that dip or chew tobacco are more likely to have periodontal disease than those who do not. The chemicals associated with tobacco have harmful affects on the gum tissue and prevent the body from fighting the periodontal bacteria. Smoking can also slow healing process make treatment less effective. A positive first step in good oral health is to not smoke or use tobacco.