Many patients at our San Bruno, CA Periodontics Dentist Office understand that periodontal disease is a serious oral health issue. What they may not realize is that research has established a strong connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease.

Diabetes
It has been shown that individuals with pre-existing diabetic conditions are likely to be more susceptible to periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease increases blood sugar levels, making it a challenge to control the amount of glucose in the blood.  This factor alone can increase the risk of serious diabetic complications.
 
Heart Disease
Several theories exist which connect heart disease and periodontitis.  One theory is that oral bacteria present with periodontal disease can attach themselves to coronary arteries when they enter the bloodstream.  This in turn contributes to the formation of blood clots and a narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Another theory suggests that inflammation caused by periodontal disease causes an increased build-up of arterial plaque.  This can inflame the arteries and worsen pre-existing heart conditions. It has been suggested that patients whose bodies react to periodontal bacteria are at increased risk of developing heart disease.

Pregnancy Complications
Women in general are more prone to developing periodontal disease because of hormonal fluctuations occurring continuously as they go through life and the aging process. Research indicates that pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease are at greater risk of delivering underweight, premature babies.

Respiratory Disease
The oral bacteria present with gum disease has been shown to be a potential threat to sufferers of emphysema, pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  These bacteria can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract during the course of normal inhalation and create bacterial infections.  Repeated infections which characterize COPD may be linked with periodontitis.

As you can see, periodontal disease can create significant and serious concerns far beyond oral health alone. The good news is that periodontal disease is a highly preventable and treatable disease if caught immediately. Be sure to protect your oral and overall general health by contacting San Bruno Periodontal Dentistry to schedule regular dental examinations and cleanings.

An increasing number of patients in my practice are reporting a problem with dry mouth. This condition is termed "xerostomia." Xerostomia can be a side effect of the medications a person is taking for illnesses such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, allergies, weight loss, Parkinson's disease, pain and many more. However, there are many other factors that contribute to a decrease in salivary production including the aging process, radiation treatments and depression.

 

At San Bruno Dental Medicine we know that, aside from being annoying, the symptoms of dry mouth can cause significant dental hygiene problems. Saliva is the body’s natural cleansing mouth rinse.  Each time we swallow, saliva washes away bacteria, as well as the food and debris on which they feed. Saliva contains compounds that kill bacteria in the mouth, and without proper dental hygiene dry mouth enhances the conditions for bacterial growth (and associated periodontal disease) as the ability to neutralize bacterial waste products is reduced.

 

If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth and you suspect that it may be due to medication, consult with your medical doctor who may be able to adjust your dosage to help alleviate the problem. Some other steps you can take to reduce symptoms are:

• Using sugar-free candy or gum
• Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
• Using a vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your bedroom
• Using an artificial saliva substitute available at your pharmacy

 

The reduction in saliva production leads to the very conditions on which the bacteria in your mouth thrive, allowing bacteria lingering at the gumline and between teeth to cause serious damage, periodontal disease or gingivitis. Since patients with Xerostomia (dry mouth) are at increased risk for periodontal disease, good dental hygiene - brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting your San Bruno California Dental Office frequently for cleanings and examinations - are critically important to your oral health.